When steamy temps take their toll on the Edwards Aquifer level, prompting a return to Stage 1 landscape watering restrictions. Here’s what that means for your lawn and garden.
Hot, dry summer temps are already creeping in, causing more landscape watering — and the Edwards Aquifer level has dropped to 660 feet. That means Stage 1 drought restrictions have returned to San Antonio.
It’s been a while since we’ve been in Stage 1 drought restrictions, so here’s a little refresher:
- Landscape watering with an irrigation system, sprinkler or soaker hose is permitted only on your designated watering day before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Your watering day is determined by the last number of your street address.
- Watering days begin and end at midnight; overnight watering is not allowed.
- Hand watering with a hose, drip irrigation or bucket is permitted any day, at any time.
- Washing impervious cover such as parking lots, driveways, streets or sidewalks is prohibited. Health and safety exceptions to this rule may be requested from SAWS.
- Water waste is prohibited at all times. Allowing water to run off into a gutter, ditch or drain or failing to repair a controllable leak is considered water waste.
- Residential car washing is allowed on Saturday or Sunday as long as there is no water waste.
- Residential and indoor commercial fountains are permitted. Outdoor commercial fountains must have a variance in order to operate.
- Variances will be needed for new landscape installations.
These rules will be declared in print and on social media when Stage 1 is declared.
As always, you can visit GardenStyleSA for watering recommendations and other timely tips. You can also contact us for a free irrigation system consultation. You just might qualify for a cash rebate for making changes to your irrigation system.
