As the Aquifer continues to plummet amid a long stretch of hot, dry days, the San Antonio Water System today implemented Stage Two water restrictions, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"Stage Two does not really affect most homeowners who are out there," SAWS Conservation Manager Karen Guz said. "You still have your watering day, and we clarify that we want your watering times to be either 7 to 11 in the morning, or 7 to 11 in the evening."
But there are some adjustments that will affect homeowners. Private swimming pools, for example, have to be at least 25% covered to prohibit evaporation. Washing your car in your driveway is only allowed once a week, and only if there is no water waste.
For commercial users, the Stage Two restrictions are more significant. Golf courses have to implement their water conservation plans, and hotels will have to start notifying guests that their linens will be changed daily only if they specifically request it.
Guz says it has been a much dryer June than usual.
"We have all been through this before. We are not worried but we are very prepared here at SAWS."Guz says Stage Two means stricter enforcement.
"These are city laws, and they are enforced by city police officers," she says. "If you see somebody who doesn't seem to know the rules yet, help them figure it out."
She says this is the first time in two years that San Antonio has moved into Stage Two restrictions. The limits were not needed during the summer of 2017.
Guz says SAWS has a number of initiatives and plans in place to make sure residential and commercial activities remain relatively unchanged, and a special committee at SAWS meets once a week to make sure those plans are up to date.