San Antonio officials outline drought risks, pipe-repair and conservation plans

San Antonio water managers told the City’s Committee on Utilities on May 27 that the city is in its sixth year of drought and outlined a suite of both near-term and long-range measures intended to protect supplies and reduce system leakage.

The presentation, led by Steven Ziber, a manager in the Water Resources Department, combined current drought data, supply diversification plans and operational initiatives. Ziber said the Edwards Aquifer and other local indicators are at unusually low levels and that the utility is pursuing both infrastructure repair and demand-side programs to respond.

Ziber said the region is experiencing “el sexto año de sequía” and warned that current reservoir and aquifer readings mirror historically severe conditions. He described both supply projects — including aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) facilities and regional projects the utility expects to bring online in phases — and demand-management efforts such as expanded leak detection, irrigation rules enforcement and customer outreach programs.

Why it matters: committee members pressed staff for details because aging pipes and persistent leaks directly affect residents’ bills, public works scheduling and the city’s ability to deliver water during prolonged dry conditions. The committee flagged coordination across city departments, outreach to small businesses and the implications for regional customers as priorities.

Key facts and figures presented

- Drought and aquifer status: Ziber said San Antonio is located in one of the state’s driest zones and that local…