SAWS drought stages can restrict when and how much you water outdoors

SAWS uses the 10-day average at the Edwards Aquifer's monitored well to move between year-round rules and drought Stages 1 through 4. The current plan begins Stage 1 at 660 feet, Stage 2 at 650 feet, and Stage 3 at 640 feet. Stage 4 may be declared by the city manager in consultation with SAWS leadership.

Stages 1 through 3 allow sprinkler or irrigation-system watering once a week on the day tied to the last digit of the street address, but the allowed hours and drip schedule tighten as the stage rises. Stage 4 moves landscape watering to every other week. SAWS now handles a first documented violation with a bill charge that may be waived by completing its course, rather than a municipal-court citation.

Treat the live SAWS page as the answer for today's schedule. Check the stage, your address day, the permitted hours, and the rules for the equipment you plan to use before turning it on.