Is this a water restriction violation (San Antonio, Anton: how much, new home, landscaping)

[Americasman]

So everyday I have to take the road that connects Culebra Rd to Wiseman Blvd. It is right next to the HEB at Culebra and 1604. The road is fairly new. Anyway, every single day I take this road and every single day I see this truck with a water tank on the back that is just watering new trees that were planted on the side of the road way. Also they have sprinklers running the length of the street that run quite often as well. The truck fills up its tank using the fire hydrant that is there. I see it when I go to work in the morning, when I go to lunch at noon and when I travel home in the evening. I even see him there on Sundays. My front yard looks like the Sahara about now and they are watering the side of the road which looks like 24/7...is this fair??

[RGJ]

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." Animal Farm

But really, I think they are some exceptions for newly planted sod and trees.

[Bo]

Originally Posted by RGJ

But really, I think they are some exceptions for newly planted sod and trees.

This is true. After a few weeks of special attention, those plants will be drinking once a week, like the established ones. One has to question the wisdom of trying to start new trees and grass in the middle of an exceptional drought.

[RGJ]

If new homeowner's don't plant sod, they will see all their dirt run down the street with the first rain. Trees? I would suspect they might be a pretty good bargain right now. But not sure about that.

[Americasman]

Yeah, but I mean there is water running all down the street and everything while this guy is out there. He doesnt work for the city it is some landscaping company. And how can he just hook up the the hydrant to get the water? And the sprinklers...It is just frustrating.

[RGJ]

no matter what the other stuff is, you can't have water running down the street. And the hydrant issue is that landscapers, road crews, etc can get a permit from SAWS to hook up to hydrants. Not sure how they monitor how much they use. Maybe there's a meter on the line that feeds the truck? Don't know the answer to that.

[wellguy]

Yes there are exceptions to newly planted grass, landcaping, etc. BUT approval (Variance) has to be granted by SAWS.
Concerning the water running down the street......That is the Wasting of Water and they are in violation of City Code. I would without hesitation call 704-SAWS.
No one can hook up to a Fire Hydrant unless all the fees (deposits) have been paid for a meter. These are yellow and they attach to the hydrant. If a Contractor is using one of the other hydrant nozzles water is being stolen. Obtain as much information as you can...Name on Truck, Plate Number, Location, Time,etc and call 704-SAWS (24 / 7 ) . Concerning the yellow meters.....sometimes you will se them attached to the water truck itself. But when in doubt please make that call because that's OUR WATER (SAWS Ratepayers)

[xlioilx]

I believe that as long as it is non-potable water then it is fine since it doesn't come from the aquifer but from treated waste (sewer) water which can't be used for human consumption anyways. You can always call the SAWS violation hotline to verify though but I would also check to see if the tank says non-potable on it as well to have the facts available to the hot line operator.

[wellguy]

When a Water Truck says Non Potable it means it is not safe for Human Consumption. As soon as potable water (from a hydrant and in this case based on the location it is from the Edwards Aquifer) enters into a truck not approved (by the TCEQ) to haul potable water then it becomes non potable.
The site in question sounds like Rogers Road. There is Recycled Water (some going to MICROSOFT) along that road and to the best of my knowledge there are NO light purple hydrants. Potable water hydrants for SAWS are silver.

One last note.....Although this project is more than likely being done for the City the Contractors cannot get free water. Is it possible that you are seeing a City of San Antonio Water Truck???

[CptnRn]

Report the waste you think is happening, and the City of San Antonio will investigate it and take appropriate action. Report it here SAWS: Report Water Waste