The city's director of communications, Melissa Millecam, says stage-three water restrictions aren't necessary in San Marcos -- at least, not yet. Millecam says, for the time being, the city will remain at stage two because San Marcos residents have been doing a good job conserving water. Also helping is the city's multi-million dollar surface-water-treatment plant, which now provides about 70 to 80 percent of the city's water supply.
SB: "Our average per capita use everyday is 114 gallons per capita. And that's very low compared to the state goal which is 140 gallons per capita."
Millecam says San Marcos stage two water restrictions are more strict than other cities in Texas. In San Marcos, stage- two water restrictions consist of watering lawns or using a drip irrigation system only once a week. San Antonio's stage two water restrictions allow hand-held watering at any time and drip irrigation system is permitted during certain hours of the day. San Marcos residents have stayed well within these restrictions.
SB: "I think that San Marcos residents contribute and are very aware of the value of following the drought rules and the fact that we have reduced our reliance on the Edwards aquifer significantly is a big factor."
The drought has also affected tourism in San Marcos. Resident Michael Rychaik says the lack of rain has affected his snorkeling adventures.
SB: "So when the aquifer's up in the 700's you know its flowing better and its more people flipping over in their canoes and stuff and I can find their, ya know, sunglasses. Nice Oakleys, Raybands, stuff like that."
These next few months will give the city council a chance to develop a new plan if the situation changes.
SB: Millecam says if the Edwards Aquifer Falls below 640 feet, stage three restrictions could be implemented.
Reporting for Bobcat Update, I'm Katy Heaney.
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