Implementation and termination of water use reduction measures and stages, generally.
San Antonio City Code § 34-319
in effectSec. 34-319. - Implementation and termination of water use reduction measures and stages, generally.
(a) Implementation of water use reduction measures. When the aquifer falls to six hundred sixty-five (665) feet above msl, city and SAWS staff shall begin preparations for public awareness, education and enforcement of the respective stage provisions.
(1) Stage 1. Stage I water use reduction measures shall be declared to be in effect when the aquifer level at J-17 drops to six hundred sixty (660) feet msl based on a ten-day rolling average calculated and determined by the Edwards Aquifer Authority.
(2) Stage II implementation. Stage II water use reduction measures shall be declared to be in effect when the aquifer level in the index well J-17 falls to six hundred fifty (650) feet above msl based on a ten-day rolling average calculated and determined by the Edwards Aquifer Authority.
(3) Stage III implementation. Stage III water use reduction measures shall be implemented when well J-17 falls to six hundred forty (640) feet above msl. Based on a ten-day rolling average calculated and determined by the Edwards Aquifer Authority.
(4) Stage IV implementation. Once Stage III is declared, and due consideration of all of the conditions described below in subsection (b), the city manager, or designee, in consultation with SAWS president/CEO or designee, may declare or delay Stage IV. Specific water use reduction measures are set out in section 34-332 and shall cover the categories of regulated uses, applicable stages and corresponding required water use reduction measures. Stage IV water use reduction measures may be implemented when well J-17 falls to six hundred thirty (630) feet above msl. Based on a ten-day rolling average calculated and determined by the Edwards Aquifer Authority. Alternatively, Stage IV may be implemented before or after the J-17 levels described above based on the following conditions set forth in subsection (b).
(b) Conditions for the implementation of water use reduction measures. One or more of the following conditions may trigger the implementation of water use reduction measures by the city manager or designee, in consultation with SAWS president/CEO or designee:
(1) The review of conditions to determine whether SAWS is able to comply with the applicable regulations governing water supply withdrawals based upon consideration of water supplies, pumping trends, seasonal adjustments and current and forecast precipitation.
(2) Consideration of water resource water quality or other seasonal or weather conditions not based on water levels in J-17, or other conditions as determined by the city.
(3) Whenever Edwards aquifer quality measures thirty (30) percent TDS above historical average and above the maximum TDS value for any public supply water well warrant additional measures to protect the aquifer.
(4) City council may determine that other aquifer, water resource, seasonal, or weather conditions not based on water levels in J-17 warrant additional restrictions. The city council may declare the city impose additional restrictions for all water uses including a prohibition of sprinkler irrigation.
(c) Termination of mandatory water use reduction measures.
(1) Stage I termination. When the aquifer level at J-17 rises to six hundred sixty (660) feet msl SAWS shall monitor the consistency and conditions of Edwards aquifer levels for the next fifteen (15) days to determine if termination of water use reductions measures is warranted, unless conditions significantly change to warrant an earlier or later review for stage termination or extension. After this monitoring period, the city manager, or designee, in consultation with SAWS president/CEO, or designee, may declare the measures terminated.
(2) Stage II termination. When the aquifer level at J-17 rises to six hundred fifty (650) feet msl SAWS shall monitor the consistency and conditions of Edwards aquifer levels for the next fifteen (15) days to determine if termination of water use reductions measures is warranted, unless conditions significantly change to warrant an earlier or later review for stage termination or extension. After this monitoring period, the city manager, or designee, in consultation with SAWS president/CEO, or designee, may declare the measures terminated.
(3) Stage III termination. When the Edwards aquifer levels remain above six hundred forty (640) msl for fifteen (15) consecutive days conditions will determine if all restrictions are terminated or extended or if a previous less restrictive stage will apply.
(4) Stage IV termination. When Stage III is terminated then termination of Stage IV will occur at the end of the current billing cycle in which the termination takes place.
(Ord. No. 2014-05-29-0376, § 3(Exh. B), 5-29-14; Ord. No. 2024-06-20-0480, § 1(Exh. A), 6-20-24)
Source: City of San Antonio, City Code, City Charter and Unified Development Code (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/san_antonio/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICO_CH34WASE_ARTIVDRMAWACORE_DIV4DRMAST_S34-319IMTEWAUSREMESTGEFetched: 10/27/2026