The Edwards Aquifer Authority is a groundwater district, mandated by the 1993 Edwards Aquifer Authority Act. The Act grants all of the powers, rights, and privileges necessary to manage, conserve, preserve, and protect the aquifer. The EAA regulates the portion of the Balcones Fault Zone Edwards Aquifer—a jurisdictional area that provides water to more than 2 million people, and covers more than 8,000 square miles across eight counties. These include all of Uvalde, Medina and Bexar counties as well as parts of Atascosa, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Comal and Hays counties.
In times of declining groundwater levels, the EAA implements a Critical Period Management (CPM) Plan to help sustain aquifer and spring flow levels. This program helps slow the rate of decline in aquifer levels and spring discharges during periods of little or no rain by reducing the amount of groundwater permit holders may withdraw.
San Antonio Drought Restrictions
Currently with the hot, dry weather, San Antonio has entered Stage 2 Watering Restrictions (as of July 26, 2018). Keith Zars Pools adheres to withdrawal regulations in accordance with the EAA. By doing our part to practice water conservation, we use our limited water supply wisely and care for it properly. Here is a little refresher on the Stage 2 Watering Rules as provided by San Antonio Water System.
1. Landscape watering with an irrigation system, sprinkler, or soaker hose is permitted only on your designated day between 7 AM-11 PM and 7 PM-11 PM. Watering days begin and end at midnight. Overnight watering is not allowed.
2. Hand watering with a hose, drip irrigation or a bucket is allowed any day, any time.
3. Washing impervious covers (i.e., parking lots, driveways, streets, etc.) is prohibited.
4. Water waste is prohibited at all times. Allowing water to run off into a gutter, ditch, drain, or failing to repair a controllable leak is considered water waste.
5. Residential car washing is allowed on Saturday or Sunday as long as there is no water waste.
6. Residential and indoor commercial fountains are permitted. Outdoor commercial fountains must have a variance in order to operate.
7. Variances will be needed for new landscape installations.
Swimming Pool Water Conservation
In addition to these Watering Rules, Keith Zars Pools has provided a proper water conservation guide for your pool. These tips help to maintain a safe and clean swimming pool and reduce water waste through evaporation, leakage, and splashing.
A Guide for Swimming Pool Water Conservation under Water Restrictions:
1. Have your pool tested for leaks. Call your pool expert to seal any leaks to prevent water loss.
2. Keep your pool shaded or covered. To minimize water evaporation, cover your pool with lily pads, umbrellas, floats, or plants and shrubs.
3. Keep your pool clean. Clean your filter and skimmer basket to reduce the need for backwashing.
4. Minimize water feature usage. Turn off or set timers for waterfalls, fountains, spas, spillways, bubblers, and deck jets.
5. Avoid excessive splashing. Limit water splashing from pool games, jumping, and horse-play.
6. Limit backwashing. Only backwash between 7pm-11pm and 7am-11am when absolutely necessary.
7. Keep pool waterline low. Do not overfill your pool, and keep waterline at bottom of tile. Fill pool during 7am-11am or 7pm-11pm only.
8. Turn off heaters and lights. Temperature reduction in your pool conserves water.
Currently under Stage 2 Restrictions, Keith Zars Pools is able to construct new residential pools as normal. We actively watch the Edwards Aquifer levels and have measures in place if Stage 3 Restrictions go into effect. We urge everyone to practice smart water conservation at their homes and in their pools. Be sure to do your part by checking to see what Stage Restrictions your home is under by visiting the San Antonio Water System website.
If you have further questions on how this may affect you, please email us at info@keithzarspools.com.