New Vista Ridge pipeline water could delay start of water restrictions

SAN ANTONIO - It's hot and dry out, an annual omen for the start of the rapid drop in the closely watched Edwards Aquifer

This year, due to the addition of an expensive external water source, the onset of water restrictions could be delayed.

Water is now coming to the area through the new Vista Ridge pipeline.

"The way the new water supplies help us when it comes to that trigger is that it may help us hit it less quickly maybe, or less often," says Karen Gus, conservation director at San Antonio Water System.

When the aquifer level hits a 10-day average of 660, by ordinance Stage 1 restrictions are triggered. The aquifer is currently at 662. Click here for aquifer level updates.

"Because we are using less of the Edwards’ water, that maybe takes some stress off the Edwards. Maybe it drops less quickly," Gus says. "And maybe we’re a little less likely to hit the trigger. It does help us out in that regard."

That's what aquifer officials hope occurs. The 142-mile pipeline from Burleson County, is supposed to supply 20 percent of the area's water needs. Cost of the project has been pegged at nearly $3 billion.

"Since they’re paying for that Vista Ridge water no matter what, it seems like they’re going to want to use that water first," says JimWinterle, director of modeling for the Edwards Aquifer Authority.

"It’s so new, we don’t have a lot of history to go by. If that water is offsetting what they normally would use from the aquifer, then probably at least it should buy us some time."

Timely rains kept San Antonio out of water restrictions in 2019.

That hasn't been the case in previous years.

From May 20 through Sept. 15 of 2018, SAWS implemented stage 1 and 2 restrictions.

In 2017, stage 1 was in effect from July through mid-October.

While 2016 was restriction free, nearly every month from 2011-2015 consisted of limitations.

Here is a chart showing when San Antonio has had restrictions since 2006.

"That could happen in the next couple weeks," Gus says, "unless Mother Nature helps us out."

Winterle has looked at the forecast and knows what lies ahead.

"Right now we’re in that time of year where the aquifer typically drops the fastest," he says. "W’re probably looking at hitting Stage 1 by the end of the month, or first week of July."

That would mean watering just once a week - either before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. It can only be done on your designated watering day.

"The aquifer is going to drop this time of year if the farmers around us are needing to water their crops," Gus says. "We can’t stop that.:

Regardless of the aquifer level, SAWS has advice to customers worried about escalating costs.

"If you don’t want to have a big water bill, the best way to moderate on that bill is to water one time a week," Gus says.

For tips on how to conserve water and create more environmentally friendly gardens, click here.

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