Backflow Prevention Services
Stage 1 Restrictions
Stage 1 restrictions are the initial phase and these are applied if the water drops to 660 feet or lower. The monitoring of the Edwards Aquifer happens for 10 consecutive days before stage 1 management is triggered. There are certain requirements that happen and are required to be observed in stage 1. Watering using an irrigation system or a sprinkler can only be down in the morning before 11 a.m. and in the evening after 7 p.m. This is to be done once a week and is determined by the street address.
In addition in Stage 1, all private swimming pools are required to have 25% of the surface areas covered. You can use evaporation screens or other inflatable pool toys. If you want to water your lawn any time of the day, without restrictions, you can use a watering can, bucker, or drip irrigation. Washing your car at home is allowed once a week, during weekends, with strict conservation of the water to avoid wastage. Residents are now required to regulate water consumption and reduce it to the lowest levels possible.
Stage 2 Restrictions
When the aquifer is monitored and the 10-day average is 650 feet or below, the stage 2 restrictions will come into effect. All the regulations of stage 1 are applied in stage 2, with a few modifications and additional rules. Mainly, stage 2 affects commercial water users. Watering the outdoor landscape is the same as in stage 1 when using a sprinkler or irrigation system. However, if you want to use drip irrigation or watering can, you can do it any day of the week but it has to be 7 to 11 a.m. and 7 to 11 p.m.
Stage 3 and 4 Restrictions
Stage 3 and 4 restrictions are more restricted and landscape watering is completely discouraged. However, there are some exceptions provided by SAWS for the proper usage of water for landscaping. If you are putting up a new landscape there will be an exception. However, you should make sure that the regulations are understood so as not to contravene them.