San Antonio, Texas, January 13, 2026
The San Antonio River has been temporarily drained for maintenance, affecting foot traffic and sales for local businesses along the River Walk. This maintenance, part of the River Walk Maintenance Program, is crucial for the river’s upkeep and the economic health of nearby establishments. With decreased tourism due to the drained river, local businesses are feeling the impact as they rely heavily on visitor attraction. The maintenance is set to continue for a week.
San Antonio River Draining Impacts Downtown Businesses
San Antonio, Texas – A section of the San Antonio River has been temporarily drained since Sunday, January 11, 2026, to allow city crews to clean debris and sediment from the riverbed. The maintenance is scheduled to continue through Monday, January 19, 2026, as part of the River Walk Maintenance Program.
Impact on Local Businesses
The drained river has led to a noticeable decrease in foot traffic along the River Walk, affecting businesses that rely on the river’s presence to attract customers. Managers at establishments such as the Five and Dime General Store and The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory have reported a decline in sales and visitor inquiries about the drained river. This situation highlights the strong connection between local businesses and San Antonio’s thriving tourism sector.
Maintenance Details
The maintenance involves draining the river from West Josephine Street to South Alamo Street, including the downtown river loop and other extension areas. Crews will remove sediment build-up, debris, and inspect the waterway’s integrity, making necessary repairs. During this period, Go Rio Cruises will temporarily halt service in the downtown River Walk and Museum Reach areas.
Background Context
The San Antonio River Walk, a renowned tourist destination, is undergoing this maintenance to ensure it remains a clean and vibrant attraction for residents and visitors. This proactive approach to maintenance is essential for sustaining the appeal of the River Walk and ensuring continuous support for local businesses that thrive alongside it. The last time the river was drained was in January 2024, but that did not include the River Loop segment.
Key Features of the Maintenance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Maintenance Period | January 11–19, 2026 |
| Drained Area | West Josephine Street to South Alamo Street, including the downtown river loop and other extension areas |
| Maintenance Activities | Removal of sediment build-up, debris, inspection, and necessary repairs |
| Impact on Businesses | Temporary decline in foot traffic and sales for some River Walk businesses |
| Go Rio Cruises | Temporarily halted in the downtown River Walk and Museum Reach areas during maintenance |
Conclusion
The ongoing maintenance of the San Antonio River serves a dual purpose: keeping the area beautiful for residents and visitors while addressing the concerns of local businesses impacted by reduced foot traffic. As the River Walk reopens fully after this maintenance, supporting local establishments will be crucial to revitalizing the economic vigor of downtown San Antonio.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to engage with the local businesses that contribute to San Antonio’s unique charm and cultural vibrancy.
Why is the San Antonio River being drained?
The river is being drained as part of the River Walk Maintenance Program to clean debris and sediment from the riverbed, ensuring it remains a clean and vibrant attraction for residents and visitors.
How long will the maintenance last?
The maintenance is scheduled to continue through Monday, January 19, 2026.
Will businesses along the River Walk be affected?
Yes, some businesses have reported a decline in sales and visitor inquiries due to the drained river.
Will Go Rio Cruises operate during this period?
No, Go Rio Cruises will temporarily halt service in the downtown River Walk and Museum Reach areas until the maintenance work is completed.
When was the last time the river was drained?
The last time the river was drained was in January 2024, but that did not include the River Loop segment.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Warehouse Shooting Leaves One Dead, Another Injured
Texas Emerges as Top Moving Destination in U-Haul’s Growth Index
Seguin Police Seek Help to Locate Missing Man
Highway Shutdown Due to Multi-Vehicle Accident in San Antonio
Explore Cultural and Wellness Events in San Antonio
Federal Prosecutors File 735 New Immigration Cases in Texas
San Antonio Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run Incident
San Antonio’s Heartbreak: Fatal Crash on I-37 South
Top 5 Events Shaping San Antonio
14-Year-Old Girl Crashes Vehicle into San Marcos Apartment Building
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.
