San Marcos City Council gives preliminary OK to new drought ordinance

After passing a couple of amendments to proposed changes to the city’s drought ordinance, the San Marcos City Council gave preliminary approval Tuesday to new rules that would loosen watering restrictions during dry spells. But some council members hinted that they would offer several amendments to the ordinance at their next meeting, potentially tightening some of the proposed changes that city officials said reflect the city’s reduced reliance on the Edwards Aquifer. In 2011, the city says it drew 14 percent of its water from the aquifer, with another 86 percent coming from surface water. Dianne Wassenich, program director for the San Marcos River Foundation, cautioned the city against leaning on that fact to justify letting residents use more water during a drought. “Even though we get most of our water from Canyon Lake, that is not an infinite source,” Wassenich said. “It is subject to the same stressors that the Edwards Aquifer is and there will be stringent rules about conserving Canyon Lake water that follow right after you get into the stringent rules directed by the Edwards Aquifer Authority for the Edwards Aquifer.” She urged the council to approve some or all of the year-round water conservation rules city staff members have recommended. But council members seemed divided over when the city should limit water use during a drought and by how much, at times growing testy as the night wore on. Council Member Ryan Thomason quibbled with a proposed amendment to the ordinance that would scale back when residents could water their lawn, suggesting that the dry grass could create a fire hazard. “Well, at least we’ll have water, now won’t we?” Council Member John Thomaides said. Council Member Wayne Becak then complained that residents are paying for that water and then are prevented from using it. Mayor Daniel Guerrero told council members to bring any additional amendments to the proposal to their next meeting on June 19, when they’re expected to vote on changes to the ordinance on second reading. By Ciara O'Rourke -- Austin American Statesman