drought

Extreme drought conditions cover the lake area, along with most of Comal, Bandera, Bexar, Kendall, and Medina counties, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, and are among the worst drought conditions anywhere in the nation.

County Fire Marshal Chris Lopez recommended the burn ban due to fire-prone conditions that could lead to wildfires.

The declaration bans the use of activities that utilize combustible materials unless it has been approved by the county fire marshal. Barbeque pits are permitted as long as they are elevated off the ground and have a lid that closes. Grill masters are urged to saturate the ground and to keep extinguishers on hand.

San Antonio has gone more than 40 days without measurable rain as of this week, the longest dry stretch since 2015.

While Thursday and Friday appeared to be the peak of a heat wave that has hit the city, temperatures are forecast to reach 100 through at least the middle of next week.

Medina Lake levels are up five feet — about 3% of its full capacity — according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Despite Hurricane Beryl and some isolated showers in the last 10 days, San Antonio's rainfall totals are little more than a drop in the bucket compared to what's needed to end a years-long drought for the region.

CPS Energy crews are expected to roll into Houston by midday Tuesday. San Antonio and Bexar County officials said they were ready to help residents of East Texas communities if needed.

The rules attempt to draw savings from the very top 5% to 10% of water users. SAWS said these users are the ones driving the water utility’s failure to reach water savings goals over the last two years.

The new rules affect watering hours, drip irrigation, non-San Antonio resident fines, and high water users.