Stage 1 Restrictions

Stage 1 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. The Stage One Critical Period restrictions are triggered by BexarMet and the City of San Antonio when the daily level of the Edwards Aquifer reaches 660.0 feet.

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 new landscapes to establish, but new landscapes highly discouraged until favorable conditions return.
• Watering with hand-held hose, bucket, soaker hose or drip irrigation permitted on any day.
• 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.
• Application of water to foundations with soaker hose, drip irrigation or 5-gallon bucket permitted during sprinkler hours on any day.

Stage 1 Critical Period restrictions continue until there is an announcement in the newspaper that Stage 1 has been cancelled or that Stage 2 is in effect.