SAN MARCOS: City lifts drought restrictions in place since mid-July.
File photo of the Searcy ranch in Hays County, which covers 352 acres including a stretch along Onion Creek with a big creek cave that channels water directly into the Edwards Aquifer.
The City of San Marcos on Wednesday lifted drought restrictions on Wednesday after more than a month of Stage 1 limitations.
The city said it would return to year-round rules that allow the use of sprinklers to water lawns any day of the week before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Car washing is also allowed, but only with a bucket or hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off device.
Stage 1 restrictions, which went into effect in mid-July, limited sprinkler use to one day a week and limited when and how water could be used.
“Year-round conservation rules are implemented when the 10-day average Edwards Aquifer index well level rises above 660 feet above (mean sea level),” the city said in a statement on Wednesday.
“On Aug. 30 the 10-day average aquifer level was at 661.0 feet and the daily reading was 665.0 feet.” Washing impervious surfaces is also allowed, the city said, but should be limited unless required.
Authorities urged residents to continue to conserve water and said wasting water is always prohibited.