Stage Three restrictions are triggered when the daily level of the Edwards Aquifer reaches 640.0 feet above mean sea level or if required by the BexarMet Drought Contingency Plan.

Landscape watering is prohibited between the hours of 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. under Stage 3, except with a hand held hose; carwash fundraisers are permitted only at commercial carwash facilities; and water waste is prohibited at all times.

All restrictions from Stage 1 & 2 with the following changes:

• 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.
• Watering with hand-held hose permitted any time on any day. 
• Watering with 5-gallon bucket or drip irrigation permitted during the hours of 3 A.M. to 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. to 10 P.M. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only.
• Irrigation variances approved for NEW LANDSCAPES ONLY under Stage 3 restrictions.  Click HERE for information on variances. 
• Watering with an irrigation system, hose-end sprinkler or soaker hose is permitted every other week beginning on the next Monday after Stage 3 has been officially declared and only on the designated watering day during Stage 3 hours:

• Washing cars at home is permitted only during the designated watering day with a positive shut-off hose during Stage 3 hours. Water runoff onto streets is prohibited.
• 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 3 restrictions continue for at least 30 days until there is an announcement that Stage 3 has been cancelled or that Stage 4 restrictions are in effect.