Worsening drought conditions loom for San Antonio
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San Antonio hasn't seen measurable rain for about a month and a half, and the coming months aren't likely to bring much relief.
Why it matters: As the drought continues to worsen, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is close to enacting stage 5 water restrictions — which means San Antonio would have to cut back further on drawing from the aquifer.
The big picture: Most of Bexar County is experiencing severe drought conditions, per the U.S. Drought Monitor. But areas northwest of Bexar County, which help recharge the aquifer, are seeing extreme drought, a level worse.
- The San Antonio Water System has diversified the city's water supply, but it still relies on the Edwards Aquifer for more than half of San Antonio's water.
By the numbers: Wednesday is expected to mark the 48th day in a row without rain, the longest stretch since 2015, according to SAWS.
- It's the fourth time San Antonio has gone at least 40 days without rain since the turn of the 21st century.
- San Antonio has received about 20 inches of rainfall so far this year — about 7 inches less than normal.
What they're saying: "We hear some people saying that summer is over and assuming that means an end to the drought," Karen Guz, SAWS vice president of conservation, said in a statement last week.
- "Actually, the last five years are comparable to the drought of record in the '50s when the Edwards Aquifer saw record lows. This drought isn't over."
How it works: The Edwards Aquifer Authority enters stage 5 restrictions when the 10-day average at the J-17 Index Well is less than 625 feet above mean sea level.
- The aquifer stood at 625 feet as of Tuesday, per the EAA.
- Stage 5 would require a 44% reduction in pumping from the Edwards Aquifer.
Yes, but: If the EAA enters stage 5, SAWS has enough from other water sources to remain in its current stage 3 restrictions, spokesperson Anne Hayden tells Axios.
Context: SAWS customers have been in stage 3 watering restrictions since the summer, when the City Council approved rule changes.
- Stage 3 rules allow for once-a-week landscape watering from 5-10am and 9pm-midnight.
- Restrictions on drip irrigation and a surcharge for high water usage remain in effect as well.
- Stage 4 restrictions would be declared by the city manager in consultation with SAWS' CEO if the water supply from the Edwards Aquifer and other sources wasn't enough to meet demand.
- In stage 4, landscape watering is only allowed once every other week.
Zoom out: The drought has also led to water main breaks stemming from extremely dry soil.
- SAWS expects about 950 main breaks in October alone — a record for the month.
- Comal County recently issued a disaster declaration, saying drought and heat posed an increasing wildfire threat.
What's next: December to February is expected to be both warmer and drier than average in San Antonio, per the annual NOAA winter outlook released last week.