San Antonio, TX Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Bexar County depends heavily on the Edwards Aquifer, and the Edwards Aquifer Authority manages withdrawals through the J-17 index well at Fort Sam Houston. When J-17 drops below 660 feet, SAWS activates Stage 1, and restrictions progressively tighten through Stage 2 at 650 feet, Stage 3, and Stage 4. In Stage 1, landscape watering with spray irrigation is limited to one designated day per week before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m., with the day based on the last digit of the street address. Hand-held hoses, drip irrigation, and soaker hoses remain allowed any day during certain hours. Pressure washing non-impervious surfaces, runoff, and uncovered pools may be restricted in deeper stages. Violations can trigger warnings followed by fines that escalate with repeat offenses, and chronic violators can have water service modified. Smaller Bexar County utilities such as Bexar Metropolitan Water and East Central SUD follow parallel Edwards Aquifer Authority drought requirements. Tex Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from banning drought-tolerant landscapes.