San Marcos to enter Stage 2 Drought Restrictions

Staff Reports

Due to dropping aquifer levels, the City of San Marcos will enter Stage 2 drought restrictions effective Sunday, April 17 at noon. Stage 2 is implemented when the 10-day average Edwards Aquifer index well level falls below 650 feet above mean sea level (msl). On Wednesday, April 13 the 10-day average aquifer level was at 649.3 feet and the daily reading was 648.3 feet.

“Aquifer levels are dropping very rapidly,” said Director of Utilities Tyler Hjorth. “We just entered Stage 1 a few weeks ago, and at this rate we could easily reach Stage 3 restrictions before the end of the month, so we must do all we can to conserve our precious water resources.”

Stage 2 drought rules place limits on the use of soaker hoses, drip irrigation, and using decorative water features.

Use of sprinklers is limited 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.

Using soaker hoses or drip irrigation is allowed any day but must be done before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. Hand watering is still allowed on any day and at any time.

Filling decorative water features such as fountains is prohibited in Stage 2. At-home car washing, washing of impervious surfaces, and foundation watering is limited to one day per week.

The full text of Stage 2 rules may be found on the City of San Marcos website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought. For more information call Conservation Coordinator Jan De La Cruz at 512-393-8310.