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San Marcos Returns To Stage 1 Water Restrictions


San Marcos officials say the city is returning to Stage 1 drought restrictions due to higher aquifer levels and decreasing water demand during the winter season.

The Stage 1 water restrictions will go into effect immediately. That means lawn watering will be limited to once a week on designated days as well as other restrictions.

“We strongly encourage residents to continue conserving water,” said Tom Taggart, Executive Director of City of San Marcos Public Services.  “We have had a very dry autumn, and aquifer and lake levels are still well below average for this time of year.”

The Edwards Aquifer is the underground source of water for more than 2 million Central Texans, and also produces the San Marcos and Comal Rivers. San Marcos draws about 20 percent of its annual water supply from the Edwards Aquifer and 80 percent from surface water from Canyon Lake.

San Marcos has been in drought restrictions for much of the year.  The City began 2012 in Stage 1 restrictions and briefly went out of drought restrictions in early spring.  The City returned to Stage 1 restrictions on April 23, and then entered Stage 2 on May 7, followed by Stage 3 on August 20.  The City returned to Stage 2 on September 21.

Stage 1 drought rules restrict use of sprinklers to one day per week on a designated weekday determined by address.  Hand watering and using soaker hoses or drip irrigation is allowed on any day and at any time. 

Stage 1 rules also limit at-home car washing to one day per week, and prohibit water waste, filling new decorative water features, and washing impervious surfaces. 

For information about current drought status and rules, go to sanmarcostx.gov/water.