San Marcos Returns to Stage 1 Drought Restrictions  

The City of San Marcos will return to Stage 1 drought restrictions effective Sunday, Oct. 25 in response to dropping aquifer levels. Stage 1 is implemented when the 10-day average Edwards Aquifer index well level falls below 660 feet above mean sea level (msl).  On Thursday, Oct. 22 the 10-day average aquifer level was at 659.3 feet and the daily reading was 659.2 feet.    

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 during designated usage times.  Irrigation with automatic irrigation systems is allowed on the designated weekday beginning at 8 pm and ending the following morning at 8 am.  

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.  

Full text of the Stage 1 rules can be found on the City of San Marcos website at www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought. 

“Unfortunately, we haven’t received the fall rains that we needed to recharge our water supplies.” says Tom Taggart, Director of Public Services.  “Drier than normal weather patterns are predicted to continue so we need to stay vigilant in our conservation efforts over the fall and winter months.”   

For more information, please visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought or call 512.393.8310.