Conservation & Drought

Water and Energy Conservation

The primary objective of the San Marcos Utilities Conservation Department is to implement the City Council's goal of environmental stewardship through the promotion of energy and water efficiency programs such as school education, public outreach, and financial incentives. The long-term goal is to increase water and energy efficiency and reduce per capita usage.

There are many ways to increase your water and energy efficiency and decrease your utility bills. Many require little or no investment of time or money - it's as simple as fixing a leaky faucet or adjusting your thermostat.

Others require an initial investment but result in significant savings. Whether you are interested in making small changes or large ones, the City of San Utilities Conservation Department is here to help. We offer a variety of programs to help you achieve your water and energy conservation goals.

We hope you will take advantage of the many conservation programs we have to offer, and we thank you for doing your part to conserve our precious water and energy resources!

Energy Rebate Programs
Water Rebate Programs

Drought Response

Stage 2 Drought Restriction

Current Water Restriction: Stage 2Drought Restrictions by Addresses

  • Waste of water is prohibited. Waste includes allowing water to puddle or run off a property, operating a sprinkler system with broken or misaligned heads, and failing to repair leaks.
  • Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers is allowed only one day per week on the designated weekday before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.  
  • Irrigation with automatic sprinkler irrigation systems is allowed only one day per week, from 8:00 p.m. on the designated weekday to 8:00 a.m. on the following day.
  • Irrigation with soaker hose and drip irrigation system is allowed on any day before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
  • Irrigation with hand-held bucket or hand-held hose is allowed on any day and at any time.
  • Irrigation of plants in inventory at commercial nurseries is allowed on any day and at any time.
  • Irrigation of vegetable gardens using hand-held bucket, hand-held hose, soaker hose or drip irrigation is allowed on any day and at any time. 
  • Charity car washes are prohibited unless held at a commercial car wash. 
  • Non-commercial vehicle washing is is allowed one day per week and must be done using a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff device.
  • Commercial vehicle washing is allowed on any day and at any time.
  • Swimming pools located outdoors should be covered when not in use to minimize evaporative losses.
  • Filling of new aesthetic water features is prohibited. 
  • Washing of impervious surfaces is allowed only one day per week. 
  • Foundation watering using drip system, soaker hose or hand-held hose is allowed only one day per week.  

Other non-essential water uses are allowed but all reasonable measures shall be taken to limit the use.

Drought Stage
Drought Stage

Regional Partners

Alliance Water is a Regional Water Authority that was formed for the purpose of resolving the long-term water needs of its Participants. Alliance Water is comprised of the cities of Kyle, San Marcos and Buda, along with the Canyon Regional Water Authority which represents County Line Special Utility District (SUD), Crystal Clear SUD, Martindale WSC, and Green Valley SUD.

Edwards Aquifer Authority
The City of San Marcos pumps groundwater from the Edwards Aquifer. The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) manages and regulates the Aquifer.

Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority
The City of San Marcos pumps surface water from Canyon Lake. These water rights are governed by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA).