San Antonio will lower water levels along the downtown River Walk loop and parts of the Museum Reach beginning Sunday for maintenance work. River traffic will be temporarily paused, and crews will be working along the banks. Visitors should expect lower water levels, equipment near walkways, and holiday lights removed in some sections.
Scope and timing
City officials released a map showing that the river will be fully drained from W. Josephine Street to S. Alamo Street, including the River Loop, for sediment removal, inspections, and repairs. There are no planned road closures, but Go Rio Cruises will not operate in the downtown River Walk or Museum Reach during the work, according to the City of San Antonio.
Partners and schedule
The draining is part of the River Walk Maintenance Program, a joint effort by the city’s Center City Development & Operations Department, the Public Works Department and the San Antonio River Authority. The River Authority has posted an alert about the mid January schedule and says this work is typically planned for about ten days in January. The agency adds that rotating the schedule from year to year helps limit disruption to the busiest portions of the Walk, per the San Antonio River Authority.
What to expect downtown
Boat tours will be suspended in the affected downtown and Museum Reach areas, and holiday lights along parts of the River Walk are set to come down once crews begin work, as reported by Community Impact. That outlet reports that crews will remove sediment buildup and debris in the drained sections while inspecting the channel for needed repairs. Most riverfront businesses plan to stay open, but pedestrians should be ready for temporary barriers and equipment near sidewalks.
Why crews drain the river
Draining the river lets crews reach spots that are normally underwater, so they can clear sediment, check for structural problems and make repairs. When the river was drained in January 2024, crews removed roughly 46.6 tons of sediment and debris, according to KSAT. Agencies say keeping the channel clear helps reduce flood risk and maintain both water quality and the attraction’s long term condition, per the San Antonio River Authority.
Tips for visitors
Most River Walk businesses will remain open, but visitors should plan for detours and intermittent daytime work zones. For current maps, parking guidance and updates, the City posts information on its City of San Antonio River Walk page. If you already have a river cruise reservation, check with your operator about cancellations or refunds and follow posted signs around active work areas.
