News Summary
San Antonio faces a dire water crisis as the Edwards Aquifer hits a record low level of 625.4 feet, the lowest since 1990. The ongoing multi-year drought, intensified by the La Niña weather pattern, has led to Stage 3 water restrictions and concerns over potential Stage 4 and Stage 5 restrictions if conditions don’t improve. The impact of the drought is felt across the community, affecting local farmers, wildlife, and increasing fire safety concerns in Bexar County.
San Antonio’s Water Woes: Edwards Aquifer Hits Record Low Amid Ongoing Drought
San Antonio is facing a serious challenge as the Edwards Aquifer, a vital water source for the region, has reached its lowest levels in decades. As of April 15, 2025, water levels recorded at the J-17 well stand at just 625.4 feet, marking the lowest reading since the summer of 1990. This alarming discovery comes as the city grapples with the impacts of a multi-year drought that has severely affected rivers, reservoirs, and overall water availability.
A Historical Perspective on Drought
San Antonio is no stranger to droughts, with a particularly impactful one remembered from the 1950s. The historical low for the Edwards Aquifer was recorded even lower at 612.5 feet in August 1957. Since monitoring began at the J-17 well in 1932, this recent decline is one of the most concerning. The drought conditions intensified significantly starting in late 2019, and since then, the city has barely seen above-average rainfall. Of the past six years, only 2021 enjoyed a decent amount of rain, while 2022 was marked as San Antonio’s second driest year ever.
Weather Patterns at Play
The current water levels in the aquifer are closely tied to the La Niña weather pattern, which has contributed to the drier conditions. With warming temperatures, it’s normal to see water levels dip about 5-7 feet from April to June each year. However, this year, the situation is more dire due to less-than-average rainfall, leading to an even faster drop in aquifer levels.
Regulations and Restrictions in Place
To combat the decline, the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) was established in 1993 to manage and protect the water source, especially for endangered species. The authority has enforced pumping restrictions to prevent severe drops in water levels akin to those of 1957. As a result, San Antonio Water System (SAWS) customers are currently under Stage 3 water restrictions, meaning there are limitations on how and when they can water their lawns and gardens.
Looking ahead, if the aquifer levels continue to fall, the city may implement Stage 4 watering restrictions, which limiting outdoor watering to twice per month. Farmers and pumpers drawing from the Edwards Aquifer are already facing Stage 4 restrictions, requiring a hefty 40% reduction in their water usage. If rainfall doesn’t make an appearance soon, there’s a real possibility of moving to Stage 5 restrictions, which could have serious implications for everyone in the area.
Local Impact and Fire Safety Concerns
The dry weather has not only created challenges for water conservation but has also led to reinstating burn bans in Bexar County due to increasing risks of brush fires. This drought significantly affects the local farmers, wildlife, and community at large. Furthermore, the ongoing drought monitor indicates extreme to exceptional drought levels across Bexar County, meaning every drop of water is precious.
What Lies Ahead?
Since November 2024, areas in South Central Texas have struggled with below-normal rainfall. The latest outlook from the Climate Prediction Center points towards drier-than-average conditions for the near future. However, there’s a glimmer of hope, as some rain is expected early next week, though experts remain cautious about any substantial relief from the drought.
As San Antonio continues to grapple with these challenging conditions, residents and officials alike are reminded of the importance of conserving water and managing this precious resource carefully. With population growth compounding the issue, the community must come together to navigate these tough times and protect the Edwards Aquifer for generations to come.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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San Antonio Faces Extreme Drought, Rain Chances Improve
Canyon Lake’s Water Levels Plummet to 50-Year Low
Exceptional Drought Devastates South Texas
San Antonio Promotes Water Conservation Amid Drought
Residents Unite Against Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bexar County
San Antonio Engages in Legal Battle Over Wastewater Permit
Water Main Break Causes Chaos in San Antonio
Additional Resources
- KSAT News: Texas Drought Sparks New Burn Ban
- Wikipedia: Edwards Aquifer
- News 4 San Antonio: Canyon Lake Levels at Historic Lows
- Google Search: Canyon Lake Drought
- Fox San Antonio: SAWS Hosting Annual Spring Bloom Event
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Drought Effects
- KENS 5: Canyon Lake Water Levels 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: La Niña Weather Pattern
- KSAT News: Drought Continues to Expand Across San Antonio
- Google News: Texas Drought 2025
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
