JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
The 10-day average of the Bexar County index well J-17 rose above 660 feet mean sea level as of June 11. This is the trigger level the Joint Base San Antonio Civil Engineer uses to declare "Stage Normal" in the JBSA Critical Period Management Plan.
Certain water restrictions are in effect immediately throughout JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Randolph and JBSA-Camp Bullis in accordance with the CPMP, as well as the biological opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The biological opinion limits JBSA's water draw from the Edwards Aquifer in order to protect eight endangered species which live in the aquifer and its associated springs. These species can only survive when aquifer levels and spring flows are adequately maintained.
In Stage Normal, base residents and personnel must comply with the following restrictions:
· Lawn and landscape watering using an irrigation system or sprinkler is permitted any day of the week between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m., with no more than one inch of water on the turf or landscape at a time.
· People can also water - at any time of the day for five- to 10-minute periods - with a hand-held garden hose with a diameter of one inch or less, by drip irrigation or by using a bucket of five gallons or less.
· No fire hose watering permitted unless hooked into irrigation-type system with appropriate backflow prevention.
· New turf and landscaping may be watered to maintain adequate growth until established.
· Use turf and landscaping featuring indigenous natural plant species.
· Washing impervious cover such as parking lots, driveways, streets or sidewalks is permitted without runoff to avoid water waste.
· Non-commercial washing of vehicles and mobile equipment, such as washing privately owned vehicles at a residence, is permitted any time. Use of an automatic shut-off nozzle or using a bucket of five gallons or less is required to prevent water waste.
· The use of commercial vehicle wash facilities is permitted any day.
· Avoid driving vehicles over turf and landscaped areas, as compacting of the soil makes drainage of water into the soil more difficult and damages root systems.
· Charity and fundraising events using installation water are permitted with base civil engineer approval. Charity car washes must be performed at facilities utilizing onsite water recycling. Dog washes, dunk tanks or other similar activities must be done in the grass if possible and water should be prevented from running off into ditches or storm drains.
· Use buckets, yard pools, or similar equipment to capture and reuse as much water as possible. All excess water should be disposed of in the grass or in the sanitary sewer to prevent storm water contamination.
· Pools used for medical and therapy reasons are exempt from pool restrictions.
· Base personnel should use a glass or cup when drinking water from water fountains and coolers to avoid waste.
· Facilities that utilize recycled water from the San Antonio Water System or Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority will comply with watering set forth in this plan. Irrigation with recycled water is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
· In the event the recycled water provider cannot provide any or adequate recycled water, Edwards Aquifer water will not be used except in extreme circumstances approved by the 502nd Air Base Wing commander or his designee.
· JBSA personnel will be directed to adopt any stage from this plan at any time when the base approaches the monthly water withdrawal limits.
In Stage Normal, watering days are as follows if address/facility number ends in: 0 or 1, Monday; 2 or 3, Tuesday; 4 or 5, Wednesday; 6 or 7, Thursday and 8 or 9, Friday.
All water restriction measures and details are listed in the JBSA CPMP at http://www.jbsa.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130809-013.pdf.
To report any misuse or waste of water or for more information, call 671-5337 or 671-4299. Those found not abiding with the JBSA CPMP may face potential disciplinary measures. Reports will remain anonymous.