In an effort to conserve water amidst ongoing drought conditions, San Antonio has introduced stringent watering rules and penalties. The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) announced this week that the San Antonio City Council has approved immediate changes, which include new watering hours and fines directly added to violators' bills, FOX San Antonio reports.
The updated guidelines restrict watering to the hours between 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., and from 9 p.m. to midnight on designated watering days. These measures were instated as part of a broader initiative to save 3.8 billion gallons of water annually. The city has struggled to meet its water conservation goals despite previous drought restrictions, with water use actually increasing after a steady period of decline or stagnation. Mayor Ron Nirenberg called the new rules "a desperately needed update to reflect the times that we’re living in," according to a statement obtained by the Express-News.
Key changes include the introduction of a noncompliance charge, a drought surcharge for the highest water users, limitations on drip irrigation systems, as well as mandatory inspections of irrigation systems. Notably, the fines for noncompliance will escalate for repeat offenders. A committee will oversee disputes and appeals, Express-News further elaborates.
SAWS officials have signalled a gradual roll-out of the fines to give residents time to adjust to the new regulations. However, the aim is clear – to enhance enforcement of conservation efforts and manage the utility's main water source more effectively. High-use surcharges are slated to begin from July 6, with residential customers exceeding 20,000 gallons per month incurring additional fees. "It was a compromise of sorts, but it was a great input from the entire community and I feel good about where we’re landing with this drought management policy given the stakes of our water supply going forward and, the events and the extreme weather that we’re experiencing," Nirenberg told the Express-News.
These efforts are coupled with revised watering hours, which also aim to alleviate stress on the power grid during peak times. Individuals utilizing hose-end sprinklers can apply for a variance for early evening watering. SAWS will also require new irrigation systems to be submitted for review starting in January, and on-site inspections will commence in 2026, following administrative assessments of the plans, FOX San Antonio reports. The broader goal is to align the city's outdoor water use and landscape regulations with the realities of recurring drought conditions.
