San Marcos to enter Stage 3 drought restrictions Sunday
SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) -- People living in San Marcos will have to follow stricter drought restrictions starting Sunday.
San Marcos will enter Stage 3 drought restrictions effective at noon this Sunday, according to a release from the city.
City officials said Stage 3 "imposes significant measures under the city’s updated Conservation and Drought Contingency Ordinance," and is needed due to drought and weather conditions.
This will be the first time San Marcos has reached this stage since the ordinance was updated on April 16, 2024, the release noted.
Stage 3 is implemented when the city’s available water resources – including the Edwards Aquifer, Canyon Lake, Alliance Regional Water Authority (ARWA), and Canyon Regional Water Authority (CRWA) -- reach levels that require "immediate and substantial conservation efforts," per the release.
Rules of Stage 3 drought restrictions
During Stage 3, waste of water is prohibited. Limits are placed on the use of soaker hoses, drip irrigation and aesthetic water features.
Irrigation with hose-end sprinklers and automatic irrigation systems is limited to one day every other week on the designated weekday determined by address before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Irrigation with a soaker hose and drip irrigation system is allowed only one day per week on the designated weekday determined by address before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Hand watering using a handheld bucket or hose is allowed on any day before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
At-home car washing, using decorative water features, filling swimming pools and washing impervious surfaces are all prohibited in Stage 3.
Foundation watering using a drip system, soaker hose or handheld hose is allowed only one day per week.
More details on the different stages' restrictions can be found on the city's website.
Drought impacts
Another aspect of the city affected by drought conditions is the river. Earlier this week, the San Marcos River Foundation said the flow in the river had dropped to "a very concerning" level.
Virginia Parker, the executive director of the San Marcos River Foundation, said the river is fed by the Edwards Aquifer, which provides drinking water to over two million people in Central Texas.
“There’s a lot of crunchy grass out there, which means our aquifer is not getting recharged in the way it needs – not only for drinking water but also for rivers and streams in Central Texas," Parker said.
SMTX Utilities Director Tyler Hjorth implored the community to come together to reduce water use.
“With water levels in our region under pressure due to prolonged drought, every action counts. Whether it's limiting irrigation or adjusting daily water usage habits, these measures are essential," Hjorth said.