Stage One restrictions are triggered by BexarMet and the City of San Antonio when the daily level of the Edwards Aquifer reaches 660.0 feet above mean sea level or if required by the BexarMet Drought Contingency Plan.

Landscape watering is prohibited between the hours of 10 A.M. and 8 P.M. every day, year-round, except with a hand held hose, bucket or soaker hose; carwash fundraisers are permitted only at commercial carwash facilities; and water waste is prohibited at all times.

Watering with a hose-end sprinkler or automatic irrigation system is allowed once per week, based on the last digit of address as shown below:

• Irrigation variances are required for establishing new landscapes, but new landscapes highly discouraged until favorable conditions return. Variances are for new landscapes only and are good for five (5) weeks from the date that the landscape is installed.
• All forms of water waste are prohibited, and include:  allowing water to run off of the property and down the street or onto adjoining properties or allowing leaks to go unrepaired.
• Watering with hand-held hose, bucket, soaker hose or drip irrigation permitted any time on any day.Watering by hand means that the hose, regardless of attachment, must be held in the person's hand at all times while water is being applied to specific areas. Once a hose is laid down, but allowed to run, it is considered a sprinkler and subject to sprinkler rules.
• Washing impervious surfaces such as parking lots, driveways, streets or sidewalks is prohibited unless for human health and safety.
• Non-commercial washing of vehicles and mobile equipment (ex. washing vehicles at residences) is permitted only on assigned residential landscape watering days and times with a hose using an automatic shut-off nozzle or bucket of five gallons or less.
• The use of commercial car wash facilities is permitted on any day.
• Aesthetic fountains, waterfalls, etc. (outdoor and/or indoor) are prohibited unless using non-potable water such as air conditioner condensate or recycled water.
• Application of water to foundations with soaker hose, drip irrigation or 5-gallon bucket permitted during sprinkler hours on any day.
• Private swimming pools must be covered at least 25% when not in use to reduce evaporation.  Use inflatable pool toys or specialized covers to reduce evaporation. 

Stage 1 restrictions continue for at least 30 days until there is an announcement that Stage 1 has been cancelled or that Stage 2 is in effect.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD INFO ON STAGE 1 (PDF)