The good news is shorter days and cooler temperatures mean we can reduce our outdoor water use.
The past five years of drought conditions in San Antonio have been a challenge. The running rain deficit in that time that has added up to more than 50 inches of water that normally would have replenished the Edwards Aquifer.
Unfortunately, despite decent total rainfall in 2024, we’re still not close to drought recovery.
The Edwards Aquifer remains at remarkably low levels (with the J-17 well at 629 feet as of this writing) with long-term weather forecasts suggesting San Antonio will be in Stage 3 watering rules through at least the end of the year.
The good news? With shorter days and cooler temperatures approaching, we should be able to reduce outdoor water use substantially — which will help the aquifer recover.
If you’re wishing for more color in your landscape, know that investing in new grass turf is not wise given the ongoing drought. During Stage 3, there are no watering variances provided to establish grass sod on existing properties.
New sod must be watered in by hand (gulp) and can result in Stage 3 surcharges on your water bill. Because it is unlikely that limits on irrigation will be lifted anytime soon, the effort is unlikely to have a good outcome.
A better option: reconsider poor-performing grass areas and try new landscaping options. A reasonable number of water-saver plants in new bedding areas can be established over fall and winter with a modest hand-watering plan.
Visit GardenStyleSA.com for free water-wise landscape designs and details about WaterSaver Landscape Coupons and how to apply for them. You have through Oct. 15 to apply and through Oct. 31 to redeem the coupons — so don’t delay!
