San Antonio Faces Extended Dry Spell
San Antonio is in the midst of a remarkably dry spell, marking 42 consecutive days without measurable rain. This stretch is the longest that the city has gone without rainfall since 2015, sending a ripple of concern across the community. As of today, the last significant rainfall recorded was on September 5, leaving residents wondering when they might see a return to the water-soaked days of yore.
Sunny Skies Ahead
Meteorologists are predicting that this dry and sunny weather is likely to stick around for at least the next 14 days, which only exacerbates the ongoing drought situation. Over the years, San Antonio has experienced similar rainless stretches, with this being the fourth instance since 2001 where the city has gone at least 40 days without rain.
What Does This Mean for Water Supply?
According to the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), many residents may be mistakenly assuming that the arrival of fall signifies the end of the drought. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. “The last five years are comparable to the drought of record in the ‘50s,” stated Karen Guz, SAWS Vice President of Conservation. Thomas Erica & Mario Smith, which refer to the notorious drought that caused severe issues for the Edwards Aquifer, suggest that history may be repeating itself, though we’re in a much better position to manage it now.
Current Conditions of the Edwards Aquifer
As it stands, stage 5 restrictions for the Edwards Aquifer are typically instituted when levels drop to 625 feet, and SAWS reports that we are dangerously close to reaching that threshold. Additionally, if the dry soil conditions persist, so too will issues like water main breaks—SAWS anticipates about 950 main breaks in October alone, an alarming statistic that is far too high for comfort.
A Thank You to Local Residents
Despite the worrying circumstances, there is a silver lining, as Guz has praised the community for cooperating with watering restrictions. “We want to thank our customers for responding well to watering rules,” she emphasized, adding that this collective effort has been crucial in mitigating the effects of the drought.
Watering Rules to Follow
In light of the ongoing drought, residents are reminded to continue following the Stage 3 water rules. This includes avoiding investments in turf grass or other plants that are highly susceptible to dry conditions. Notably, Stage 3 surcharges come into play when a household exceeds 20,000 gallons of water usage per month, meaning that failing to adhere to these guidelines could significantly increase your water bill.
Stay Informed and Prepared
As San Antonio continues its dry spell, staying informed and prepared is more important than ever. Residents are encouraged to keep a close eye on water usage to ensure compliance with current regulations, and to remain aware of the water rules to help weather this extended drought.
With the backdrop of a beautiful but dry San Antonio skyline, it’s a community effort that will harness our resilience and ingenuity. Together, San Antonio can navigate these dry times and ensure a sustainable future for the city.
