In familiar practice in Texas, the city of San Antonio is under Stage 2 water restrictions and Stage 3 is a possibility to conserve the important water resources of our quickly growing community. These restrictions are yet another painful and costly reminder that the San Antonio area must increase efficiency of our water usage and diversify our water resources to provide water for our future generations.
New U.S. census numbers show an increase of 400,000 residents in Bexar County and, absent reform, San Antonio residents will most certainly be paying more for water and getting less of it. Ignoring our water restrictions is not an option, and I am committed to supporting efficiency reforms as well as giving local water leaders the sound tools that will allow them options to increase water resources to address this critical problem.
Whenever water restrictions are implemented, San Antonio Water System ratepayers are penalized twice. First, due to an antiquated state law that prohibits transporting Edwards water out of Uvalde or Medina counties, we must pay farmers in Uvalde County simply for the right to pump more water there.
Read the whole story in the San Antonio Express News
Showing posts with label Edwards Aquifer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edwards Aquifer. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
EAA Says Stage III Imminent -- Press release
Tue Jun 14 2011 05:33 PM
EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY REPORTS STAGE III RESTRICTIONS IMMINENT ACROSS REGION
SAN ANTONIO (June 14, 2011) – With little prospect for rain in the foreseeable future, additional reductions in pumping from the Edwards Aquifer appear to be imminent, according to information presented Tuesday to the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors during its monthly meeting. In a report to the board, Authority staff indicated that soaring temperatures and the continued lack of rain are likely to result in further drought-induced pumping restrictions for Edwards Aquifer users across the region.
A continuing trend of declining aquifer levels is expected to result in the Authority declaring Stage III of the region’s critical period management plan for the San Antonio Pool – including all of Medina and Bexar counties, and parts of Atascosa, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, and Caldwell counties – as early as June 20. Over the first 159 days of 2011, water level at the J-17 Index Well in Bexar County has dropped 28 feet. Additionally, for the first time in its history, the Authority could have to impose Stage II restrictions for the Uvalde Pool, which consists of Uvalde County. The Uvalde restrictions would be prompted when the 10-day average for groundwater levels in the J-27 Index Well in Uvalde drops below 850 feet above mean seal level, and could come as early as June 24, according to Authority staff projections.
Stage III for the San Antonio Pool would mean Edwards permit holders would have to reduce their pumping by 35 percent of their authorized annual amounts. Stage II for the Uvalde Pool would mean a five percent reduction for Edwards permit holders in Uvalde County. The intent behind the mandatory pumping reductions is to help stabilize aquifer and spring discharge levels until rain returns to the area and replenishes the aquifer. Through May, the Authority’s rain gauge network showed near-record-low rainfall amounts across the region, ranging from seven to 10 inches below the historical average for the first five months of the year.
In other action, the board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $7,166,712 for a construction and renovation project that would consolidate the Authority’s operations into one facility. The project, intended to improve the agency’s organizational efficiency, will be carried out by the design-build team of Bartlett Cocke L.P./Kell Muñoz Architects.
The Edwards Aquifer Authority manages, enhances, and protects the Edwards Aquifer, one of the major groundwater systems in Texas serving approximately 1.7 million people. More information on the Edwards Aquifer Authority is available at www.edwardsaquifer.org by calling 210-222-2204 or 1-800-292-1047.
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EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY REPORTS STAGE III RESTRICTIONS IMMINENT ACROSS REGION
SAN ANTONIO (June 14, 2011) – With little prospect for rain in the foreseeable future, additional reductions in pumping from the Edwards Aquifer appear to be imminent, according to information presented Tuesday to the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors during its monthly meeting. In a report to the board, Authority staff indicated that soaring temperatures and the continued lack of rain are likely to result in further drought-induced pumping restrictions for Edwards Aquifer users across the region.
A continuing trend of declining aquifer levels is expected to result in the Authority declaring Stage III of the region’s critical period management plan for the San Antonio Pool – including all of Medina and Bexar counties, and parts of Atascosa, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, and Caldwell counties – as early as June 20. Over the first 159 days of 2011, water level at the J-17 Index Well in Bexar County has dropped 28 feet. Additionally, for the first time in its history, the Authority could have to impose Stage II restrictions for the Uvalde Pool, which consists of Uvalde County. The Uvalde restrictions would be prompted when the 10-day average for groundwater levels in the J-27 Index Well in Uvalde drops below 850 feet above mean seal level, and could come as early as June 24, according to Authority staff projections.
Stage III for the San Antonio Pool would mean Edwards permit holders would have to reduce their pumping by 35 percent of their authorized annual amounts. Stage II for the Uvalde Pool would mean a five percent reduction for Edwards permit holders in Uvalde County. The intent behind the mandatory pumping reductions is to help stabilize aquifer and spring discharge levels until rain returns to the area and replenishes the aquifer. Through May, the Authority’s rain gauge network showed near-record-low rainfall amounts across the region, ranging from seven to 10 inches below the historical average for the first five months of the year.
In other action, the board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $7,166,712 for a construction and renovation project that would consolidate the Authority’s operations into one facility. The project, intended to improve the agency’s organizational efficiency, will be carried out by the design-build team of Bartlett Cocke L.P./Kell Muñoz Architects.
The Edwards Aquifer Authority manages, enhances, and protects the Edwards Aquifer, one of the major groundwater systems in Texas serving approximately 1.7 million people. More information on the Edwards Aquifer Authority is available at www.edwardsaquifer.org by calling 210-222-2204 or 1-800-292-1047.
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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Edwards Aquifer STAGE 2 Restrictions Start Today
Stage Two Alert begins when the Aquifer level reaches 650 feet mean sea level at the monitored well.
All restrictions from Stage One remain in effect, unless added to or replaced by Stage Two rules.
Landscape watering with an irrigation system, sprinkler or soaker hose is allowed only once a week from 3-8 a.m. and 8-10 p.m. on your designated watering day, as determined by your address.
Watering with drip irrigation or 5-gallon bucket is permitted any day, but only between 3-8 a.m. and 8-10 p.m.
Watering with a hand-held hose is allowed any time on any day.
Use of fountains, waterfalls, or other aesthetic water features — outdoors or indoors — is prohibited, unless a variance has been granted for 100 percent non-potable water use.
All non-public swimming pools must have a minimum of 25 percent of the surface area covered with evaporation screens when not in use. Inflatable pool toys or floating decorations may be used for this purpose.
Washing impervious cover such as parking lots, driveways, streets or sidewalks is prohibited. Health and safety exceptions to this rule may be requested from SAWS in writing.
Residential washing of vehicles or other equipment is allowed only on assigned watering days and times. A hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle or bucket of five gallons or less may be used. Water should not be allowed to run into the street.
The use of commercial car wash facilities is allowed any day.
Operators of golf courses, athletic fields and parks must submit a conservation plan to SAWS. For requirements, contact SAWS at 704-SAVE. Golf courses, athletic fields and parks may not irrigate between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Hotels, motels and other lodging must offer and clearly notify guests of a "linen/towel change on request only" program.
And don't forget to follow these year-round rules:
Water waste is prohibited at all times. This includes lawn watering overspray and runoff.
Restaurants may serve water only on request (to reduce dishwashing).
Charity car washes allowed only at commercial car wash facilities.
All restrictions from Stage One remain in effect, unless added to or replaced by Stage Two rules.
Landscape watering with an irrigation system, sprinkler or soaker hose is allowed only once a week from 3-8 a.m. and 8-10 p.m. on your designated watering day, as determined by your address.
Watering with drip irrigation or 5-gallon bucket is permitted any day, but only between 3-8 a.m. and 8-10 p.m.
Watering with a hand-held hose is allowed any time on any day.
Use of fountains, waterfalls, or other aesthetic water features — outdoors or indoors — is prohibited, unless a variance has been granted for 100 percent non-potable water use.
All non-public swimming pools must have a minimum of 25 percent of the surface area covered with evaporation screens when not in use. Inflatable pool toys or floating decorations may be used for this purpose.
Washing impervious cover such as parking lots, driveways, streets or sidewalks is prohibited. Health and safety exceptions to this rule may be requested from SAWS in writing.
Residential washing of vehicles or other equipment is allowed only on assigned watering days and times. A hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle or bucket of five gallons or less may be used. Water should not be allowed to run into the street.
The use of commercial car wash facilities is allowed any day.
Operators of golf courses, athletic fields and parks must submit a conservation plan to SAWS. For requirements, contact SAWS at 704-SAVE. Golf courses, athletic fields and parks may not irrigate between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Hotels, motels and other lodging must offer and clearly notify guests of a "linen/towel change on request only" program.
And don't forget to follow these year-round rules:
Water waste is prohibited at all times. This includes lawn watering overspray and runoff.
Restaurants may serve water only on request (to reduce dishwashing).
Charity car washes allowed only at commercial car wash facilities.
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Trey Wilson: Texas Water Lawyer -- Texas Groundwater Permit and Water Rights Attorney
Trey Wilson -- Texas Water Lawyer, Groundwater Permit and Water Rights Attorney