Commercial Irrigation Requirements
Summary
Businesses across the city are asking to skip mandatory irrigation systems to save water and money, promising hand-watering instead. While city arborists want guaranteed watering systems to keep new trees alive, commissioners are increasingly willing to grant waivers if owners sign maintenance agreements.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 9
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Aug 26, 2026.
Impact analysis
Saves businesses money on installation and backflow testing, while relying on private maintenance.
Commercial property owners and developers saving on infrastructure installation costs.
Residents will see an increase in their monthly water bills during a time of high inflation.
Mentions & discussions (14)
Planning Commission Meeting - Aug 26, 2026
Businesses across the city are asking to skip mandatory irrigation systems to save water and money, promising hand-watering instead. While city arborists want guaranteed watering systems to keep new trees alive, commissioners are increasingly willing to grant waivers if owners sign maintenance agreements.
Planning Commission Meeting - Aug 12, 2026
Businesses want to use xeriscaping instead of mandatory irrigation systems to save water, but the city is concerned about plant survival.
SAWS is ending Stage 3 watering rules. Here's what that means for San Antonio homeowners
The Stage 2 watering restrictions will go into effect on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
Carrizo Springs lifts boil water notice; Stage 4 restrictions remain in effect
Carrizo Springs lifts boil water notice; Stage 4 restrictions remain in effect news4sanantonio.com
How has San Antonio's rainiest three-month stretch in years affected our drought status?
San Antonio's recent intense rainfall has drastically improved drought conditions, restoring local reservoirs and removing previous limits on July 4 fireworks sales.
San Antonio City Council to vote next week on SAWS rate increases totaling 29% through 2029
San Antonio City Council to vote next week on SAWS rate increases totaling 29% through 2029 Texas Public Radio | TPR
City Council B Session - Jun 10, 2026
SAWS is asking for a multi-year rate increase to pay for aging infrastructure and rising operational costs. The city is trying to trim the fat to keep bills as low as possible for residents.
City Council Special Session - May 7, 2026
SAWS is proposing to adjust water rates over the next few years. This means your water bill could go up. The city council is being briefed on the proposal as part of the budget process, and there will be more opportunities for public input before a final decision is made.
SAWS says it needs to raise rates. It’s hitting resistance at City Hall.
SAWS says it needs to raise rates. It’s hitting resistance at City Hall. San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio sewer leak spills 100,000+ gallons, prompts repairs by SAWS
A contained spill in San Antonio has released over 100,000 gallons into Rosillo Creek, prompting safety warnings by San Antonio Water System as repairs continue.
Major Texas city hit with flooding after water main rupture
Major Texas city hit with flooding after water main rupture MySA
City Council A Session - Apr 2, 2026
The city is acquiring conservation easements on significant acreage in Medina County to protect the Edwards Aquifer, a vital water source.
City Council B Session - Feb 11, 2026
A potential joint City and County Ad Hoc Committee is being considered to establish a centralized system for diversion and recovery, possibly including a mental health and developmental disabilities diversion center. This initiative aims to address critical public safety and health needs within the community.
Planning Commission (Special) - Jan 16, 2026
A major point of contention was the proposed on-site wastewater treatment plant for the development. Opponents raised serious concerns about its potential impact on the local water supply and the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.
Related development
Bill Millers Landscape Variance
Allows the restaurant to rely on manual watering and drought-tolerant landscaping instead of automated pipes.
ASCO Pavilion Landscape Variance
Allows property management to hand-water landscaping.
Smalls Sliders Landscape Variance (Hwy 151)
Permits hand-watering and maintenance agreement in lieu of irrigation system.
IHOP/Applebees Landscape Irrigation Variance
Exempts the commercial site from installing standard automated irrigation lines.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for San Antonio
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.