SAWS operates one of the largest recycled water systems in Texas, serving the San Antonio River Walk base flow and major Bexar County industrial customers. Connections, signage, and cross-connection controls are governed by SAWS service rules.
San Antonio Water System pioneered large-scale water reuse, returning highly treated effluent to the San Antonio River for River Walk base flow and supplying purple-pipe customers including golf courses, industrial sites, and major institutions. Customers connecting to the recycled main must follow SAWS reclaimed water service rules, install backflow prevention, and label all valves and outlets. Drinking water cross-connections are strictly prohibited. The reuse system reduces draw on the Edwards Aquifer and stretches the supply for a fast-growing county. Most single-family residents in unincorporated Bexar County do not have access to purple pipe service.
Cross-connecting reclaimed water to potable plumbing is a serious health violation; SAWS may shut service, levy charges, and refer cases to TCEQ.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio noise ordinance quiet hours are 10 PM–6 AM Sun–Thu and 11 PM–6 AM Fri–Sat (City Code Ch. 21, Art. III). Residential cap 63 dB(A) day / 56 dB(A) n...
San Antonio, TX
All possession, sale, use, transport, and manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within San Antonio city limits and within 5,000 feet of those limits, per th...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays. Property owners may install yard decorations year-r...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays (giant Santas, snowmen, pumpkins). Inflatables are permitted on residen...
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio has no city ordinance specifying installation or removal dates, brightness limits, or amplified audio rules for residential holiday light display...
San Antonio, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Antonio require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a Residential Improvements building permit, a ...
See how San Antonio's recycled water rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.