We have rain in our forecast, but if we don't get enough, they're already talking about 'State Two' water rationing, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
SAWS and other water agencies just imposed Stage One last month for the first time in two years, but a string of triple digit days and a lack of rainfall has water regulators digging deeper.
New Braunfels Utilities Environmental Affairs Manager Suzanne Williams says Stage Two could come as soon as next week
.“NBU customers are doing a great job with their conservation efforts,” Williams says. “The rate at which the aquifer has been dropping has slowed since Stage 1 watering restrictions were enacted. However, we are still within the time of year when usage remains high. Customers are now using an average of about 16.8 million gallons a day (mgd), up from an average of about 15.7 mgd prior to Stage 1 going into effect. That sustained level of usage—combined with extremely hot temperatures—is putting us closer to the need for Stage 2 watering restrictions."
Anne Hayden of the San Antonio Water System says Stage Two is a possibility 'by mid August if we don't get measurable rain.'
Stage Two restrictions are similar to Stage One in that you can only water using a sprinkler once a week, but the hours during which watering is allowed are further restricted to avoid loss through evaporation.