Warm, dry conditions and falling Edwards Aquifer levels have pushed San Antonio Water System customers back into Stage 3 watering restrictions, making it important for households to take another look at when and how they are watering.

For residents in Luckey Ranch, the change is about more than remembering to reset a sprinkler controller. Following the Stage 3 schedule can help households avoid water-waste violations, reduce unnecessary outdoor water use and keep monthly bills from climbing during another demanding stretch of South Texas weather.

SAWS announced the return to Stage 3 on Sept. 21 after the Edwards Aquifer's 10-day rolling average fell below the 640-foot mean sea level trigger established under San Antonio's drought rules. The Stage 3 restrictions take effect Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.

Know Your Stage 3 Watering Day

Under Stage 3, landscape watering with an automatic irrigation system, sprinkler or soaker hose is limited to once a week on the designated watering day for each address. Watering is permitted from 5 to 10 a.m. and again from 9 p.m. to midnight.

The designated day is based on the last digit of the street address:

• 0 or 1: Monday
• 2 or 3: Tuesday
• 4 or 5: Wednesday
• 6 or 7: Thursday
• 8 or 9: Friday

SAWS says watering with a hand-held hose remains permitted any day and at any time. Drip irrigation systems and tree bubbler zones may be used Mondays and Fridays during the approved Stage 3 watering hours. Residential vegetable gardens using drip irrigation may be watered Monday, Wednesday and Friday during those same hours.

For neighborhood common areas without a street address, including medians and subdivision entryways, the designated watering day is Wednesday.

For Luckey Ranch homeowners with automatic irrigation systems, one of the simplest steps to take now is checking the controller. A system still programmed for more frequent summer watering could result in unnecessary water use and potentially place the property out of compliance.

Higher Water Use Can Also Mean a Higher Bill

Stage 3 also brings the return of SAWS' drought surcharge for high-use customers.

SAWS says the surcharge can affect single-family residential customers using 20,000 gallons or more during a monthly billing period. The Stage 3 drought surcharge is $10.37 per 1,000 gallons and is assessed on water use above the 20,000-gallon threshold. SAWS reported that fewer than 2% of San Antonio residential customers typically exceed 20,000 gallons of monthly use.

That distinction matters. Reaching the threshold does not mean the $10.37 surcharge is applied to every gallon used. The additional charge applies to usage above 20,000 gallons.

Outdoor irrigation can be one of the largest contributors to household water use, particularly during hot, dry weather. A broken sprinkler head, irrigation zone running longer than necessary or water flowing onto sidewalks and streets can consume water without helping the landscape.

SAWS prohibits water waste throughout the year, including irrigation overspray and runoff. Washing driveways, sidewalks, parking lots and other impervious surfaces is also prohibited during Stage 3 except for approved health and safety circumstances.

SAWS has moved away from municipal court citations for watering-rule violations and instead uses water-waste non-compliance charges on customer bills. The first non-compliance charge for a single-family home or small commercial property is $137.

Help Is Available for Residents Trying to Use Less Water

Conservation does not necessarily mean giving up on a healthy yard.

SAWS offers water-saving programs designed to help customers find irrigation problems, improve outdoor water efficiency and transition portions of traditional lawns to landscapes better suited for South Texas conditions.

A free irrigation consultation allows a conservation expert to evaluate an irrigation system for maintenance issues, recommend appropriate settings and discuss available rebates and coupons that may fit the property.

The WaterSaver Landscape Coupon program is another option for residents interested in replacing portions of grass with more drought-resilient landscaping. Through the program, qualifying customers can receive assistance toward approved native and well-adapted plants when converting eligible lawn areas into water-saving landscape beds.

Residents can learn more about conservation programs by calling 210-704-SAVE, or 210-704-7283, and by visiting GardenStyleSA.com.

What Residents Can Do Now

For Luckey Ranch residents, a few minutes spent checking the irrigation controller, confirming the correct watering day and looking for sprinkler leaks could prevent wasted water, a non-compliance charge or an unwelcome surprise on the next utility bill.

Residents should also keep an eye on total household water consumption if their usage approaches 20,000 gallons during a billing period, when the Stage 3 drought surcharge can become a factor.

SAWS says Stage 3 restrictions continue until an official announcement is made that Stage 3 has been canceled or that Stage 4 restrictions are in effect. Under the drought plan, moving out of a drought stage can be considered after the Edwards Aquifer remains above the applicable trigger for 15 days.

With Stage 3 restrictions now in effect, residents can help reduce water demand by following the watering schedule, checking irrigation systems and avoiding unnecessary outdoor use.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for additional local updates, community information and resources that may affect area residents.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.

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