How Dry is San Antonio? Don't Worry, We Won't Hold Our Tears (Because There Aren't Any!)
Hey there, fellow San Antonians! Feeling like your normally sizzling city has turned into a dusty tumbleweed convention? You're not wrong. Our beloved Alamo City is definitely in the midst of a drought. But fear not, for we're here to answer the burning question (though hopefully there are no actual fires, because, you know, drought) - just how parched are we?
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| What Drought Stage Is San Antonio In |
Brace Yourselves (But Not with a Hose, Those Days Are Gone) - San Antonio is in Stage 3 Watering Restrictions!
That's right, folks, Stage 3. We've officially graduated from "mildly inconvenient" watering schedules to "uh oh, gotta cut back" territory. This means our beautiful bougainvilleas might be feeling a little less boujee, and our lawns may morph into a slightly-less-thirsty shade of brown. But hey, at least our cacti will be living their best life!
But what exactly does Stage 3 entail? Great question, glad you asked! Here's the skinny:
- Watering restrictions are still once a week, but... There's a but. If you use more than 20,000 gallons in a billing cycle (which, let's be honest, most of us don't even know how much water that is), you'll be facing a high-use surcharge. So, maybe hold off on filling that backyard moat just yet.
- Remember that friend who never seems to turn off their sprinkler? Yeah, they're gonna be real popular now. San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is cracking down on water waste, so snitching on your neighbor's rogue sprinkler is totally encouraged (just kidding... mostly).
The good news? Stage 3 doesn't mean all hope is lost for our lawns. By following the watering restrictions and implementing some clever conservation techniques (see our FAQ below!), we can all do our part to save this precious resource.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
Let's Make San Antonio a Water-Wise Wonderland! (Okay, Maybe Not Wonderland, But You Get the Idea)
While Stage 3 might sound scary, it's also an opportunity to get creative! Think of it as a city-wide water challenge, with the grand prize being a thriving city that isn't bone dry. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Channel your inner artist and paint your lawn green. Just kidding (sort of). Embrace the natural beauty of native plants that thrive in drier conditions.
- Invest in a good rain barrel. Catch that precious rainwater and use it to keep your plants happy.
- Take shorter showers. We all know someone who could benefit from this tip (ahem, Uncle Steve with his marathon showers).
Remember, every drop counts!
How To Save San Antonio From Turning into a Desert (Spoiler Alert: It Involves Less Watering)
How to find out my watering day?
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
Head over to the SAWS website (https://www.saws.org/conservation/drought-restrictions/stage-2/) to find your designated watering day based on your address.
How to water my lawn efficiently?
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Water deeply and infrequently, rather than shallowly every day. This encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more resilient during dry spells.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
How to report water waste?
You can report water waste to SAWS online or by phone. Just remember, with great snitching power comes great responsibility (and maybe a free high-five from Mother Nature).
How to xeriscape my yard?
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Xeriscaping is a landscaping approach that uses drought-tolerant plants. There are tons of resources available online and from local nurseries to help you xeriscape your yard like a pro.
How to convince my neighbor to stop watering their lawn at high noon?
This one might require a bit more finesse. Try a friendly conversation, or maybe offer to help them xeriscape their yard (sharing is caring, especially when it comes to water).
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