An irrigation system in San Antonio must be installed by a TCEQ-licensed irrigator (or a licensed plumber or the homeowner at their own home), include a tested backflow assembly and a rain or moisture shut-off, and run only during allowed hours. SAWS drought stages limit sprinklers to an assigned day based on your address. Drip in beds and short cycles on clay save water.
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In San Antonio, an irrigation system has to do more than water the lawn. It has to fit watering rules that change with the Edwards Aquifer, meet Texas licensing and backflow requirements, and avoid wasting water on clay that can't absorb it fast enough or rocky soil that drains too quickly.
San Antonio watering rules
SAWS has year-round rules that apply even when there is no drought: sprinkler and irrigation systems may run only during early morning and late evening hours (the year-round page lists midnight to 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight), hand watering is allowed any time, and water waste such as runoff into the street or an unrepaired leak is prohibited. When the 10-day average level of the Edwards Aquifer at the J-17 monitoring well falls to 660 feet, the city can declare Stage 1, and deeper stages follow if levels keep dropping. Drought stages limit sprinklers to one assigned weekday based on the last digit of your address, with no weekend sprinkler watering, and Stage 3 has meant once every other week. Rules and hours can change, so check saws.org before setting your controller. If you're served by another provider, such as New Braunfels Utilities, Boerne Utilities or a Schertz-area provider, follow their rules instead.
Who can install and repair systems
In Texas, anyone who installs, repairs or designs a landscape irrigation system for hire must hold an irrigator license from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or work under a licensed irrigator's supervision. Licensed plumbers are also allowed. Homeowners may install a system at their own home, but local requirements still apply. The City of San Antonio requires the irrigator to register the state license with Development Services to pull an irrigation permit. Ask for the license number and whether a permit is included.
Backflow prevention
Systems connected to the drinking water supply need a backflow prevention assembly so lawn water and fertilizer can't be drawn back into the water lines. TCEQ rules require a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester to test the assembly when it is installed, repaired, replaced or moved, and some assemblies must be tested every year. Results go to your water provider. Ask your installer what SAWS or your utility requires.
Required shut-off devices
Texas irrigation rules call for a rain or moisture shut-off device on new systems. Many systems in the area also have freeze sensors. SAWS has offered help with rain sensors; check the current program.
Design for local soil
- Clay: absorbs water slowly, so use cycle and soak (several short runs) to avoid runoff.
- Thin soil over rock: holds little water, so drip and efficient rotors matter, and trenching may require rock work.
- Drip in beds: delivers water to roots with little runoff or evaporation.
- Smart controllers: adjust to weather. EPA's WaterSense program labels controllers that meet its efficiency criteria.
Common repairs
- Broken heads from mowers and foot traffic
- Leaking valves or lines, often noticed as a soggy spot or a high water bill
- Spray heads still watering sidewalks and streets, which counts as water waste
- Controllers not reset when the drought stage changes
- Exposed backflow assemblies cracked by a hard freeze
Questions to ask
- What is your TCEQ irrigator license number?
- Who handles the permit and the backflow test?
- Will beds use drip, and does the quote include a rain sensor and smart controller?
- How will the schedule be set for my provider's current stage?
More detail is in our guide to watering rules. Need a new system or repair? Request an irrigation company.
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Frequently asked questions
When can I water in San Antonio?
SAWS year-round rules allow sprinklers only in early morning and late evening hours, and drought stages limit sprinklers to one assigned weekday based on the last digit of your address, or less. Hand watering has more flexibility. Check saws.org for the current stage and hours.
Does an irrigation installer need a license in Texas?
Yes. Anyone installing or repairing irrigation systems for hire must be licensed by TCEQ or work under a licensed irrigator. In San Antonio the irrigator also registers that license with the city to pull an irrigation permit.
Who tests my backflow preventer?
A TCEQ-licensed backflow prevention assembly tester. Testing is required at installation, repair, replacement or relocation, and some assemblies must be tested annually. Your water provider receives the results.
Sources and further reading
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Bexar County: lawn grasses for Central and South Texas
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Turfgrass Selection for Texas
- San Antonio Water System: year-round watering rules
- San Antonio Water System: outdoor conservation programs
- Garden Style San Antonio (SAWS)
- Texas Department of Agriculture: licensing to apply pesticides to lawns, trees and ornamentals
- TCEQ: Landscape Irrigator's Rule Compilation (RG-470)
- TCEQ: cross-connection control and backflow prevention
- City of San Antonio Development Services Department
- Texas A&M Forest Service: oak wilt
- Texas A&M Forest Service: invasive plants in Central Texas
- Texas Invasives
- Edwards Aquifer Authority
- New Braunfels Utilities
- Boerne Utilities: water restrictions
- City of Alamo Heights
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- EPA WaterSense
- Texas811: call before you dig