San Antonio – Texas
San Antonio, the nation’s seventh-largest city, serves over 1.9 million people through the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), one of the most innovative municipal water utilities in the United States. The city’s water infrastructure includes nearly 9,000 miles of water mains, eight water recycling centers, and multiple water treatment facilities, delivering approximately 145 billion gallons annually.
Unlike many cities that rely on surface water, San Antonio draws most of its water from the Edwards Aquifer, a unique underground water source that provides some of the purest groundwater in the nation. The aquifer, which stretches across 17 counties, is so pure that it often requires minimal treatment. San Antonio has also emerged as a national leader in water conservation and sustainability, with one of the most comprehensive water recycling programs in the world and a commitment to achieving water neutrality by 2040.
San Antonio Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 1.2 parts per billion (ppb), significantly below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting San Antonio’s relatively newer infrastructure.
- Testing Scope: SAWS conducts over 90,000 water quality tests annually across its service area, including regular monitoring at hundreds of residential locations and commercial facilities.
- Compliance Status: San Antonio’s water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards, consistently ranking among the best in Texas for water quality and reliability.
Edwards Aquifer Excellence
- Naturally Pure Source: The Edwards Aquifer, providing about 80% of San Antonio’s water supply, is protected by recharge zones that naturally filter water through limestone layers over thousands of years.
- Minimal Treatment Required: Aquifer water typically requires only chlorination for disinfection, making San Antonio’s water some of the least processed municipal water in America.
- Aquifer Protection: Strict land development regulations over the recharge zones and extensive watershed protection programs ensure long-term source water quality.
Water Sustainability Leadership
- Recycled Water System: SAWS operates the nation’s largest direct recycled water system, producing over 50 million gallons daily of ultra-pure recycled water through advanced membrane bioreactor and reverse osmosis technology.
- Vision2040 Initiative: The comprehensive water plan aims to achieve water neutrality, meaning all growth will be supplied through recycled water, conservation, and alternative supplies without increasing raw water withdrawals.
- Innovation Programs: SAWS invests heavily in innovative technologies including aquifer storage and recovery, smart irrigation systems, and real-time leak detection across the distribution network.
Infrastructure Excellence
- Modern Distribution System: With most infrastructure built after 1960, San Antonio has significantly fewer aging pipe issues compared to older cities, resulting in lower system water loss (currently at 12%).
- Smart Water Network: SAWS has deployed over 600,000 smart meters with leak detection capabilities and uses advanced analytics to predict and prevent main breaks.
- Reservoir Management: Multiple surface reservoirs serve as backup supplies and help protect against extreme drought conditions while supporting aquifer conservation.
Environmental Stewardship
San Antonio’s commitment to environmental protection extends beyond water treatment to comprehensive watershed management, invasive species control in the aquifer recharge zones, and educational programs that have reduced per capita water use by over 40% since 1990. The city’s integrated approach combines cutting-edge technology with nature-based solutions to ensure water security for future generations while maintaining exceptional water quality standards.
Recommendations for San Antonio Residents
Enjoy Your Tap Water
San Antonio’s Edwards Aquifer water is naturally pure and requires minimal treatment. Feel confident drinking directly from the tap – it’s safe, high-quality, and environmentally friendly.
Conserve Water
Follow drought restrictions and consider xeriscaping with native plants. Take advantage of SAWS rebates for efficient fixtures, smart irrigation controllers, and rain harvest systems.
Monitor Your Usage
Use the MySAWS app to track your water consumption, receive leak alerts, and participate in conservation challenges. Smart meters help detect leaks before they become costly problems.
Use Recycled Water
Access recycled water stations for landscape irrigation when available. SAWS recycled water is ultra-pure and perfect for outdoor use, helping preserve our pristine aquifer water for drinking.
Test When Needed
While San Antonio water is exceptionally safe, private well owners should test annually. Contact SAWS at (210) 704-7297 for information about municipal water testing or private well resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Antonio’s tap water safe to drink?
Yes! San Antonio’s water is among the purest municipal water in the nation. About 80% comes from the Edwards Aquifer, which naturally filters water through limestone for thousands of years. The remaining 20% comes from wells and surface water sources, all treated to meet or exceed federal standards.
SAWS conducts over 90,000 water quality tests annually and publishes results in our annual Water Quality Report. The water typically requires only minimal treatment (mainly chlorination) because of the exceptional source quality. Many residents prefer our tap water over bottled water for both taste and environmental reasons.
Why does San Antonio have some of the best water quality?
Several factors contribute to San Antonio’s exceptional water quality:
• Edwards Aquifer: Our primary water source is naturally filtered through limestone over thousands of years, removing contaminants and adding beneficial minerals.
• Protected Watersheds: Strict regulations in the aquifer recharge zones prevent contamination at the source.
• Modern Infrastructure: Most of our water system was built after 1960, resulting in fewer aging pipe issues.
• Advanced Testing: SAWS monitors for over 200 compounds, far exceeding regulatory requirements.
• Minimal Processing: Less treatment preserves the natural quality of our source water.
What is San Antonio doing about water sustainability?
San Antonio is a global leader in water sustainability through our Vision2040 initiative, which aims to achieve water neutrality. Key components include:
• World’s Largest Direct Recycled Water System: Producing over 50 million gallons daily
• Conservation Leadership: Reduced per capita water use by 40% since 1990
• Smart Technology: 600,000+ smart meters with leak detection
• Aquifer Storage: Banking excess water underground during wet years
• Innovation Hub: Testing cutting-edge water technologies
Our goal: All growth will be supplied through recycled water and conservation without increasing withdrawals from our natural sources.
Are there water use restrictions in San Antonio?
San Antonio operates under a year-round water conservation ordinance with tiered restrictions based on drought conditions. Current requirements include:
• Watering Schedule: Twice per week based on address (odd/even)
• No watering between 10 AM – 8 PM
• No water waste: Running water on sidewalks, streets, or unused areas
• Drip irrigation exemptions for water-efficient systems
During declared drought stages, additional restrictions apply. Check www.saws.org for current stage levels and specific requirements. Violations can result in fines up to $500.
Contaminants of Concern
Natural Minerals
Source: Limestone filtration in the Edwards Aquifer adds beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium to the water
Health Effects: These minerals are actually beneficial for health and contribute to good taste. San Antonio water averages 14-16 grains per gallon hardness, considered “hard” water
Current Status: Natural and safe; not considered a contaminant. Some residents install water softeners for convenience in cleaning and appliance maintenance
Chlorine
Source: Added during treatment as a disinfectant to ensure water remains safe throughout the distribution system
Health Effects: Chlorine at levels used in drinking water is safe for consumption. Some people may notice taste or odor, especially during warmer months when levels are adjusted
Current Status: Maintained within EPA guidelines. Chlorine taste/odor can be reduced by refrigerating water in an open container or using a basic filter