Blog posts about landscaping
#LANDSCAPING #GREATOASIS
Worsening drought conditions loom for San Antonio
WRITTEN BY MEGAN STRINGER
San Antonio hasn’t seen measurable rain for about a month and a half, and the coming months aren’t likely to bring much relief.
Why it matters: As the drought continues to worsen, the Edwards Aquifer Authority is close to enacting stage 5 water restrictions — which means San Antonio would have to cut back further on drawing from the aquifer.
The big picture: Most of Bexar County is experiencing severe drought conditions, per the U.S. Drought Monitor. But areas northwest of Bexar County, which help recharge the aquifer, are seeing extreme drought, a level worse.
- The San Antonio Water System has diversified the city’s water supply, but it still relies on the Edwards Aquifer for more than half of San Antonio’s water.
By the numbers: Wednesday is expected to mark the 48th day in a row without rain, the longest stretch since 2015, according to SAWS.
- It’s the fourth time San Antonio has gone at least 40 days without rain since the turn of the 21st century.
- San Antonio has received about 20 inches of rainfall so far this year — about 7 inches less than normal.
What they’re saying: “We hear some people saying that summer is over and assuming that means an end to the drought,” Karen Guz, SAWS vice president of conservation, said in a statement last week.
- “Actually, the last five years are comparable to the drought of record in the ’50s when the Edwards Aquifer saw record lows. This drought isn’t over.”
How it works: The Edwards Aquifer Authority enters stage 5 restrictions when the 10-day average at the J-17 Index Well is less than 625 feet above mean sea level.
- The aquifer stood at 625 feet as of Tuesday, per the EAA.
- Stage 5 would require a 44% reduction in pumping from the Edwards Aquifer.
Yes, but: If the EAA enters stage 5, SAWS has enough from other water sources to remain in its current stage 3 restrictions, spokesperson Anne Hayden tells Axios.
Context: SAWS customers have been in stage 3 watering restrictions since the summer, when the City Council approved rule changes.
- Stage 3 rules allow for once-a-week landscape watering from 5-10am and 9pm-midnight.
- Restrictions on drip irrigation and a surcharge for high water usage remain in effect as well.
- Stage 4 restrictions would be declared by the city manager in consultation with SAWS’ CEO if the water supply from the Edwards Aquifer and other sources wasn’t enough to meet demand.
- In stage 4, landscape watering is only allowed once every other week.
Zoom out: The drought has also led to water main breaks stemming from extremely dry soil.
- SAWS expects about 950 main breaks in October alone — a record for the month.
- Comal County recently issued a disaster declaration, saying drought and heat posed an increasing wildfire threat.
What’s next: December to February is expected to be both warmer and drier than average in San Antonio, per the annual NOAA winter outlook released last week.
Link: https://tinyurl.com/Great-Oasis-Landscaping
Landscaping, Great Oasis, Irrigation, Luxury Landscaping, Landscape
Navigating Water Restrictions in Texas: What Homeowners and Businesses Need to Know #Landscaping
Texas is no stranger to drought. With its hot summers, growing population, and reliance on limited groundwater sources, the state has long been at the center of water conservation debates. In recent years, water restrictions have become stricter and more widespread, forcing homeowners, businesses, and landscapers to rethink how they use and manage water.
Why Water Restrictions Are in Place
#landscaping
Water restrictions in Texas are not just about limiting usage—they are about survival and sustainability. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires every public water system to adopt a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP), which outlines different “stages” of restrictions depending on water supply levels.
For example:
Stage 1 (Mild drought): Residents may be asked to voluntarily limit irrigation.
Stage 3 (Severe drought): Outdoor watering may be reduced to once per week.
Stage 5 (Critical drought): Strict caps on pumping and mandatory fines for violations.
These restrictions are activated when lake levels drop, aquifers decline, or demand threatens supply, ensuring that drinking water remains available for essential needs.
Local Examples Across Texas
Edwards Aquifer Authority (San Antonio region)
In 2025, for the first time ever, the Edwards Aquifer entered Stage 5 restrictions, requiring permit holders to cut pumping by 56%. This drastic move came as groundwater levels hit historic lows, threatening the region’s main source of water.
Austin Water
Austin currently enforces once-per-week automatic irrigation schedules, with designated watering days based on street addresses. Violators risk fines, especially during peak drought months.
Corpus Christi
The city has been issuing $500 fines for residents caught breaking outdoor watering rules, highlighting how serious enforcement has become in coastal areas struggling with limited supply.
Impact on Landscaping and Irrigation
For Texas homeowners and landscaping businesses, these restrictions can feel like a challenge—but they also present opportunities for smarter water use.
Irrigation adjustments: Smart sprinkler systems, soil moisture sensors, and drip irrigation can significantly reduce water use while keeping lawns and gardens healthy.
Native landscaping: Xeriscaping and planting drought-tolerant species help minimize reliance on irrigation.
Business compliance: Landscaping companies must design projects that balance beauty with sustainability, often by calculating irrigation coverage, gallons-per-minute output, and long-term water costs.
Tools and Resources for Texans #landscaping
TCEQ Water Restrictions Database – Tracks which public water systems are under drought restrictions.
Water My Yard App (Texas A&M Extension) – Provides weekly irrigation recommendations based on local weather and soil conditions.
City Utility Websites – Each city (Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, etc.) posts updated restrictions, watering schedules, and drought stage announcements.
Looking Ahead: Conservation as a Way of Life #landscaping
Texas leaders are preparing for the future by proposing billions in funding for new reservoirs, conservation programs, and water infrastructure projects. Still, for everyday residents and businesses, the reality is clear: responsible water use is no longer optional—it’s essential.
By staying informed about local restrictions, adopting water-wise technologies, and rethinking landscaping strategies, Texans can protect both their property investments and their most valuable resource—water.
✅ Key Takeaway: Water restrictions in Texas may feel inconvenient, but they are an essential part of securing the state’s water future. With smart planning, both homeowners and businesses can thrive under these new realities.
Check Texas Water Restrictions here: https://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/trot/droughtw.html
Thanks to the Texas Legislature and House Bill 517, homeowner associations can no longer fine you for having brown grass during watering restrictions.
The state legislature passed new rules over the summer to assist homeowners worried about HOA fines during drought. In addition to existing local rules, HOAs in Texas can no longer fine homeowners for brown or discolored grass during watering restrictions.
That’s thanks to House Bill 517, which was signed by the governor and took effect in September. The bill prevents property owners’ associations from assessing fines for brown or discolored turf or vegetation during drought restrictions. In fact, such fines are now prohibited for up to 60 days after drought restrictions are lifted.
This is in addition to SAWS utility service regulations and City of San Antonio ordinances, which also prohibit HOAs from requiring turfgrass to be planted or irrigated.
Here’s what you and your HOA need to know about how landscape covenants are impacted by water conservation in state and local property codes, especially in times of drought restriction:
- San Antonio City ordinance Section 34.275 (8): A property owners’ association or HOA cannot require you to water your brown grass or replace it with new sod.
- SAWS utility service regulations (Section 4.3.6): dedicatory instruments like property owners’ associations and HOAs may not require turfgrass to be planted or irrigated by their customers.
- State of Texas Section 202.007, Property Code Subsection (a): A property owners’ association cannot prohibit or restrict a property owner from using drought resistant landscaping or water-conserving turf.
- State of Texas Section 202.008, Property Code Subsection (b): A property owners’ association may not assess a fine against a property owner for a violation of an applicable covenant that requires the owner to plant or install grass or turf or maintain green vegetation or turf or prohibits discolored or brown vegetation or turf on the property, either during residential watering restrictions or before the 60th day after the restrictions are lifted.
HOAs are required to follow these state and local laws, but at times they may need a reminder, especially considering their membership boards turn over frequently. As there are no irrigation variances available for re-landscaping during Stage 2 or Stage 3 watering rules, any request for new turfgrass from an HOA could only be fulfilled if that sod were watered in by hand to establish.
HOAs are always looking to maintain neighborhood standards. Those with outdated landscape covenants may be in a tough position these days, as the multiyear drought has taken a toll on local turfgrass. For some, the change in state laws may provide a welcome opportunity to update their covenants.
In the meantime, continue to find neighborly ways to work with your HOA and follow their design review process carefully before undertaking costly landscape installations.
City of San Antonio
San Antonio Water System Utility Service Regulations Section 4.3.6 4.3.6 DEDICATORY INSTRUMENTS. In accordance with chapter 34 of the San Antonio City Code, a dedicatory instrument may not require turfgrass be planted or irrigated, nor may it require the installation of an irrigation system. Additionally, per V.T.C.A., Property Code chapter 202, § 202.007, a property owner’s association (POA) may not prohibit or restrict a property owner from implementing certain efficient irrigation systems, however, a POA may restrict the type of turf used in order to encourage conservation or require water conserving turf. Last, under V.T.C.A., Property Code chapter 202, § 202.007, a property owners’ association cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping. State of Texas (a) A property owner’s association may not include or enforce a provision in a dedicatory instrument that prohibits or restricts a property owner from (4) using drought resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf. (d-1) A property owners’ association may not unreasonably deny or withhold approval of a proposed installation of drought-resistant landscaping or water-conserving natural turf under Subsection (d)(8) or unreasonably determine that the proposed installation is aesthetically incompatible with other landscaping in the subdivision. State of Texas Property Code Section 202.008 effective September 1, 2025. LIMITATION ON FINES DURING RESIDENTIAL WATER RESTRICTION. (a) For the purposes of this section, “residential watering restriction” means a temporary restriction of water use to irrigate residential vegetation or turf that is mandated by a municipality, water utility, or other wholesale or retail water supplier as part of a strategy to conserve water during a period of drought. (b) A property owners’ association may not assess a fine against a property owner for a violation of an applicable restrictive covenant that requires the owner to plant or install grass or turf or maintain green vegetation or turf or prohibits discolored or brown vegetation or turf on the property: (1) during a period when the owner’s property is subject to a residential watering restriction under which discolored or brown vegetation or turf could reasonably result; and (2) before the 60th day after the date a residential watering restriction described by Subdivision (1) is liftted. |