The City of San Marcos will enter Stage 1 drought restrictions, effective Sunday, July 12, in response to dropping aquifer levels.
“We have had a dry year so far, and increasing temperatures mean people are watering more,” said Tom Taggart, Director of the Public Services Department. “We have a long, hot summer in front of us, so it’s very important that we do everything we can to conserve our water supplies now in order to avoid additional restrictions later.”
Stage 1 is implemented when the 10-day average Edwards Aquifer index well level falls below 660 feet above mean sea level (msl). On Thursday, July 9 the 10-day average aquifer level was at 659.8 feet and the daily reading was 658.1 feet.
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.
For more information please visit the City of San Marcos website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought or call 512.393.8310. For media inquiries, contact communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.gov.
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