Stage 3 Restrictions
The rules of the Edwards Aquifer Authority regarding water conservation are the strictest in the region and lead to good conservation practices for all water sources. Stage Three Critical Period restrictions are triggered when the Edwards Aquifer Level reaches 640 feet mean sea level at the monitor well. Look for well levels each day in the San Antonio Express-News newspaper or on the BexarMet website.
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 or five gallon bucket; carwash fundraisers are permitted only at commercial carwash facilities; and water waste is prohibited at all times.
Critical Period Restrictions
- All restrictions from Stage 2.
- Aesthetic fountains are prohibited, unless water is recycled.
- Watering with hand-held hose or drip irrigation permitted during the hours of 3 A.M. to 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. to 10 P.M. on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.
- Watering newly planted landscapes is permitted ONLY with a variance from the BexarMet Water Efficiency Department.
- Watering with an irrigation system or sprinkler is permitted every 2 weeks beginning on the second Monday after Stage 3 has been declared and only on the designated watering day:
|
Last |
Day |
|
0 or 1 |
Monday |
|
2 or 3 |
Tuesday |
|
4 or 5 |
Wednesday |
|
6 or 7 |
Thursday |
|
8 or 9 |
Friday |
- Filling of new and existing swimming pools is prohibited unless at least 30% of the water is obtained from a source other than the Edwards Aquifer.
- Golf courses - a 30% reduction in the replacement of daily evapotranspiration (ET) rate or 1.4 times the base usage irrigation between the hours of 8 P.M. and 10 A.M. only.
- Athletic fields shall reduce water use by an additional 5% from Stage 2 and have on file with BexarMet an approved conservation plan.
- Washing cars at home is permitted only during the designated watering day with a positive shut-off hose during the hours of 3 A.M. to 8 A.M. and 8 P.M. to 10 P.M. Water runoff onto streets is prohibited.
Stage 3 Critical Period restrictions continue until there is an announcement in the newspaper that Stage 3 has been cancelled.
