Following generous rains over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, the City of San Marcos will return to Stage 1 water restrictions effective Sunday, May 23 at noon. The 10-day average Edwards Aquifer index well level hit 666.0 feet and the daily reading was 666.2 feet on May 20, which is beyond the threshold required to terminate Stage 2 restrictions. 

“We received much needed rainfall, but we still need to remain vigilant,” said Interim Utilities Director Tyler Hjorth. “We still have a long, hot, and likely dry summer ahead of us so it’s crucial to continue conservation.” 

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.   

The full text of the Stage 1 rules may be found on the City of San Marcos website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought. For more information, call 512.393.8310.  

For media inquiries, contact communicationsinfo@sanmarcostx.gov.  

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