Water Use Rules in San Antonio, TX

If you live in San Antonio or are thinking about moving there, water use rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. San Antonio has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Turf Replacement Rebates

SAWS WaterSaver Landscape Coupon, administered by the Conservation Department, pays residential customers for replacing high-water turf with drought-tolerant landscape, supporting drought-stage compliance and the Edwards Aquifer Management Plan.

Key details: Program: WaterSaver Landscape Coupon. Residential cap: Up to $400 typically. Minimum area: 200 sq ft turf removed. Plant list: SAWS native/adapted list. Inspections: Pre and post required.

Misrepresenting square footage or installing non-approved plants results in coupon denial and clawback. Letting replaced areas fail to remain irrigation-free for the maintenance period can trigger return of paid funds. SAWS may pursue civil collection.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find San Antonio gives residents more flexibility on turf replacement rebates.

Recycled Water Rules

SAWS' recycled water program, set out in San Antonio Code Secs. 34-1141 through 34-1145, limits recycled water to commercial, industrial, irrigation, and streamflow uses under a written contract. Drinking, food preparation, and domestic use are banned, and reselling recycled water for an unauthorized purpose is unlawful citywide.

Key details: Governing sections: Secs. 34-1141 to 34-1145. Provider: San Antonio Water System (SAWS). Prohibited uses: Drinking, food prep, domestic use. Quality standard: 5 mg/L BOD5, 20 CFU/100mL coliform. Cross-connection: Unlawful; reinspection every 3 years.

Article VIII sets no penalty of its own, so a violation, such as an unauthorized sale under Sec. 34-1145 or an unlawful cross connection under Sec. 34-1185, falls to the citywide default in Sec. 1-5: a fine not to exceed $500, with each day of a continuing violation charged as a separate offense. Misusing recycled water for drinking or domestic use under Sec. 34-1144 can also mean SAWS immediately terminates the customer's contract.

Leak Reporting Duty

San Antonio's drought and water conservation ordinance classifies failing to repair a controllable leak as unlawful "waste" of water. SAWS enforces the rule citywide and in its ETJ, with Class C misdemeanor fines that escalate for repeat violations and possible water service discontinuation for chronic offenders.

Key details: Governing rule: Failure to repair a leak is "waste". Enforcing agency: SAWS Conservation Dept. / president-CEO designee. First offense fine: $50 to $100. Repeat offense fine: $1,000 to $2,000, 3rd+ offense. Civil penalty option: Up to $1,000 per day.

A first offense is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 to $100; a second offense runs $250 to $500; a third or later offense runs $1,000 to $2,000 (Sec. 34-277(d)). Each day a leak goes unrepaired is a separate violation. SAWS may also seek civil penalties up to $1,000 per day under Local Government Code Chapter 54, and Sec. 34-289 lets the SAWS president/CEO discontinue water service to a meter holder for repeated or continued violations even without a prior fine.

The Bottom Line

San Antonio's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming San Antonio is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects San Antonio's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.