Falling Aquifer Levels Trigger Stage 1 Drought Restrictions In San Marcos

“In spite of recent rainfall, aquifer levels continue to drop rapidly due to high demand,” said Tom Taggart, Executive Director of City of San Marcos Public Services. 

The City of San Marcos will enter Stage 1 drought restrictions effective May 27 in response to dropping aquifer levels.  The Edwards Aquifer Authority implemented Stage 1 on May 21.  

Stage 1 drought rules restrict use of sprinklers to one day per week on a designated weekday determined by address.

Irrigation using hose-end sprinklers is allowed on the designated weekday before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.  Irrigation with automatic irrigation systems is allowed on the designated weekday beginning at 8 p.m. and ending the following morning at 8 a.m. 

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, washing of impervious surfaces and foundation watering to one day per week. Wasting water is prohibited. 

Full text of the Stage 1 rules can be found on the City of San Marcos website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought.

Stage 1 is implemented when the 10-day average Edwards Aquifer index well level falls below 660 feet above mean sea level (msl).

On May 21 the 10-day average aquifer level was at 659.3 feet and the daily reading was 657.9 feet.   

“In spite of recent rainfall, aquifer levels continue to drop rapidly due to high demand,” said Tom Taggart, Executive Director of City of San Marcos Public Services. “It’s essential that we all do our part to reduce water use now, in order to avoid additional drought restrictions later.”  

For more information please visit the City of San Marcos website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought or call 512.393.8310.