In a recent government meeting, officials addressed the ongoing drought conditions affecting the Edwards Aquifer, which are projected to reach critical levels this summer. The meeting highlighted the need for immediate action to conserve water, as the aquifer is expected to drop to stage 5 levels for the first time since 1990, necessitating a significant permit cutback of over 36%, equating to nearly 100,000 acre-feet of water.

To combat this, officials proposed five key rule changes aimed at achieving a 10% reduction in water usage across the board. These changes include transitioning from a criminal enforcement process to an administrative one for violations of water usage rules, which is intended to create a more equitable system for all San Antonio Water System (SAWS) customers, including those in separately incorporated cities who currently face no penalties.

The proposed changes also introduce a tiered penalty system for violations, with increasing charges for repeat offenders. For residential customers, the first violation would incur a fee of $137, escalating to $225 for a second violation and $500 for a third. Large commercial properties would face higher initial fines starting at $500. Additionally, first-time offenders could have their charges waived by completing an online educational course.

Officials emphasized the importance of targeting high water users, proposing a new stage 3 drought rule that would limit hose-end and automatic irrigation to twice a month for the top 5% of residential water users, defined as those using over 20,000 gallons in summer months. This approach aims to minimize the impact on the majority of residents who are already conserving water.

The meeting also discussed the regulation of drip irrigation systems, which have become increasingly popular but often lead to excessive water use. Proposed regulations would limit drip irrigation to specific days during drought stages, ensuring more responsible usage.

Furthermore, officials announced plans to enhance oversight of irrigation systems in new developments, aiming to reduce violations and improve water efficiency. This initiative is set to begin in January 2025, allowing builders time to adapt to the new requirements.

Lastly, the meeting addressed the need to adjust watering hours to alleviate pressure on the energy grid during peak usage times. Proposed changes would shift watering hours to earlier in the morning and later in the evening, aligning with energy conservation efforts.

These proposed measures reflect a proactive approach to managing water resources amid severe drought conditions, emphasizing community compliance and the need for equitable enforcement across all SAWS customers.