Hayden noted that the dramatic increase in citations starting in June 2023 is the result of SAWS adding trained staff from other departments to assist with drought patrols.
“Most customers who receive a citation do not receive another one, and we do see a decrease in water use after a citation for residential customers, indicating that citations are effective at getting residential customers to reduce their use,” she said. The last time San Antonio changed its conservation ordinance was in 2014 but water trends have shifted in the last decade with SAWS previously citing irrigation systems, mainly on newer homes, as an additional load on the city’s water system.
“Before the last drought ordinance change, they were different, starting earlier in the morning, but we had complaints from those using hose-end sprinklers that moving those around in the yard was hazardous before down,” SAWS spokesperson Anne Hayden told KSAT via email. “The current hours were based on feedback from the public. We are currently in the process of seeking feedback for proposed new changes to the drought ordinance.”.