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When Can I Water My Lawn in San Antonio?

July 28, 2025

When Can I Water My Lawn in San Antonio? (And How to Do It Righ

Keeping your lawn green and healthy in San Antonio’s hot, dry climate is no small task—especially with city watering restrictions and scorching summer temps. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:

“When can I water my lawn in San Antonio?”

The answer depends on several factors: city regulations, time of year, grass type, and whether you’re using irrigation or watering by hand.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

  • Watering schedules based on San Antonio rules

  • The best time of day to water

  • How much water your lawn really needs

  • How to avoid overwatering and drought stress

  • Pro tips for healthy grass in South Texas

Let’s dive in.

San Antonio Watering Rules (SAWS Irrigation Guidelines)

The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) enforces year-round watering rules, with stricter schedules during drought stages. These apply to sprinkler systems and irrigation, not hand-watering or using soaker hoses.

As of July 2025, Stage 3 watering rules are currently active in San Antonio according to SAWS.

Here’s what that means:

💧 Allowed Watering Times:

  • Before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m.

  • Once per week, based on your street address

Last Digit of Address Watering Day
0 or 1 Monday
2 or 3 Tuesday
4 or 5 Wednesday
6 or 7 Thursday
8 or 9 Friday

Weekend watering is not allowed with automatic systems during drought stages. To stay current, always check the official SAWS Drought Restrictions before watering.

Best Time of Day to Water Your Lawn

Even outside of restrictions, the best time to water your lawn in San Antonio is:

Early morning: between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Why?

  • The temperature is cooler

  • Wind is usually calmer

  • Water has time to soak into the soil before evaporation

  • Less risk of fungal growth than evening watering

Avoid watering at night, especially during humid periods—it increases disease risk in St. Augustine and Zoysia grasses.

How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?

For most lawns in San Antonio, 1 inch of water per week is ideal. That includes rainfall and irrigation combined.

Here’s how to measure:

  • Place an empty tuna can or rain gauge in your yard

  • Run your sprinkler and see how long it takes to collect 1 inch of water

  • Split that time into 2 watering sessions per week (if allowed)

For example, if your system puts out 1 inch in 60 minutes, water for 30 minutes twice a week.

Signs You’re Overwatering or Underwatering

Keeping an eye on your lawn will help you adjust.

Signs of Overwatering:

  • Mushy soil

  • Yellowing blades

  • Fungal patches or mildew

  • Runoff onto sidewalks

Signs of Underwatering:

  • Grass doesn’t bounce back after walking

  • Dry, cracked soil

  • Blue-gray tint on blades

  • Dead or thinning patches

Overwatering is just as harmful as drought—especially in clay soils common to San Antonio.

 

What Type of Grass Do You Have?

Different grasses tolerate drought differently. Here’s a quick guide:

Grass Type Water Needs San Antonio Suitability
St. Augustine Medium-High ✅ Excellent shade grass
Bermuda Low ✅ Full sun only
Zoysia Medium ✅ Versatile, great look
Buffalo Grass Low ✅ Native, drought-hardy

Want help choosing or maintaining the right sod? Check our sod installation services in San Antonio.

Efficient Watering Tips for San Antonio Lawns

  • Cycle soak: Instead of watering 30 minutes straight, water 15 minutes, pause, then another 15. This reduces runoff.

  • Check your system: Broken sprinkler heads waste water. Walk your lawn once a month.

  • Aerate compacted soil: This improves water absorption, especially in clay-heavy areas like Stone Oak or Helotes.

  • Use mulch and mowing strategies: Keep grass taller in summer (3–4 inches) to reduce evaporation.

Alternatives to Traditional Lawns

If you’re tired of fighting the drought, consider:

  • Artificial turf – Low-maintenance and always green. Turf installation is ideal for dog runs or shaded yards.

  • Drought-tolerant landscaping – Rock features, native plants, and drip irrigation.

  • Hardscaping – Patios, walkways, or gravel zones reduce the need for water and upkeep.

Penalties for Breaking Watering Rules

SAWS enforces watering restrictions with:

  • Fines of up to $1,000 per violation

  • Reports from neighbors or drive-by inspections

  • Warnings for first-time offenders

Save water and protect your lawn by sticking to the allowed schedule.

Seasonal Watering Guidelines

  • Spring (March–May): Begin watering once a week as temps rise. Aerate and fertilize for new growth.

  • Summer (June–August): Water deeply early in the morning. Watch for drought stress.

  • Fall (September–November): Slowly reduce watering as growth slows.

  • Winter (December–February): Water only if there’s no rain for 2–3 weeks. Grass is dormant but still needs moisture.

Final Tips: Make Every Drop Count

In San Antonio, water is a valuable resource. Proper watering keeps your lawn healthy and helps conserve water citywide.

Here’s a quick checklist:

✅ Water early in the morning
✅ Follow the SAWS watering schedule
✅ Measure your sprinkler output
✅ Choose drought-tolerant grass
✅ Consider turf for low-maintenance areas

Need Help With Lawn Care or Irrigation?

At Design Scapes, we help San Antonio homeowners maintain beautiful outdoor spaces—whether it’s sod installation, turf, or irrigation systems.

👉 Contact us for a free lawn consultation and make your yard drought-smart.

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