- The city exclusively pumps groundwater from the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) which regulates usage and enacts restrictions during drought or high usage - The city is currently in Stage 3 restrictions but Stage 4 is possible soon, allowing the council to consider further rules limiting groundwater use - Stage 4 would mandate a 40% reduction in pumping to stay within the city's permitted capacity from the EAA

1. ADMINISTRATION
Presented by:
Phil Laney
Assistant City Manager
STAFF REPORT ON WATER RESTRICTIONS
ITEM # 7
APRIL 10, 2023

2. SUMMARY
 City pumps potable groundwater exclusively from
Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA)
 EAA regulates usage & enacts restrictions when
capacity low due to drought or usage
 City in Stage 3 restrictions now, but Stage 4 may be
in near future
 In Stage 4, Council may consider further rules to
restrict groundwater use

3. BACKGROUND
 Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) exclusive
provider of City potable groundwater
 EAA provides water to 2.5 million people &
includes 8 counties, including all of Bexar Co.
 City mandated to follow EAA guidelines on
pumping capacity & when necessary, restrictions

4. BACKGROUND
 Edwards Aquifer Authority critical period /
reduction stage (Well J-17)
 Stage 1 <660
 Stage 2 <650
 Stage 3 <640
 Stage 4 <630

5. HISTORICAL AQUIFER LEVELS
Mar, 660.0 Jun, 666.8
Aug, 663.6 Oct, 663.1
Dec, 664.1
Mar, 657.1
Jun, 637.5
Aug, 633.2
Oct, 631.7
Dec, 637.2
Mar, 635.8
620
630
640
650
660
670
680
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Edwards Aquifer Authority - Water Level, 2021 to 2023
2021 2022 2023

6. BACKGROUND
 Stage 3 currently in effect since June 2022
 Stage 3 mandated pumping reductions by EAA
(35%)
 To obtain, City limits use of sprinkler systems to only
once every other week, wasting of water, etc.
 EAA may assess penalties if City pumps more than
is permitted

7. POTENTIAL STAGE 4 REALITY
 If EAA enters into Stage 4, City mandated to
meet 40% reduction per City code
 EAA may assess penalties for over-pumping
 To meet 40% reduction, Ch. 19 in Code allows
 Rules for other stages to remain in effect
 Council may convene emergency session to
consider other rules

8. PERMITTED WATER CAPACITY
City Pumping
from EAA
Annual Pumped
Amount (in Acre Ft.)
% of Capacity
Used
2020 2,001 71%
2021 1,810 64%
2022 2,059 73%
2023 438 16%
 City water capacity purchased from EAA – 2,822 Acre Feet
 Permitted capacity reduced if pumping restrictions in place
2023 revised capacity with
pumping restrictions in place
Stage
through Year
End
Revised
Permitted
Capacity
% of Capacity
Used (as of
4/5/23)
Stage 3 1,834 24%
Stage 4 1,764 25%

9. NEXT STEPS
 Encourage water conservation measures by
residents & businesses
 Staff to continue monitoring EAA levels & 10-
day average
 Council & public advised if Stage 4 required
 Council & staff to weigh implementation of
additional rules