The San Antonio City Council convened on October 1, 2025, to discuss key initiatives and updates regarding the city's water management and financial planning for the upcoming years. The meeting highlighted the city's commitment to reducing water consumption and improving operational efficiency.
The session began with a presentation on the city's water usage metrics. Officials reported a slight increase in water consumption from July to September, attributed to ongoing infrastructure challenges. The goal is to reduce water usage from the current average of 61 gallons per day per connection to 43 gallons, nearly halving the current loss levels. This ambitious target will require significant effort, resources, and public cooperation, as emphasized by the presenters.
David Stevenson, the financial officer, then addressed the council, outlining the budgetary process for 2026. He noted that this year's approach would differ from previous years, with a focus on establishing ordinances that guide the management of the city's water system. Stevenson highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong credit rating, which helps keep costs low for residents. He also mentioned that the San Antonio Water System (SaaS) serves over 1.1 million residents, underscoring the essential nature of its services.
The council discussed the need for a transparent budget process, which will include estimates of gross revenues and necessary adjustments for deliberation. The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing public engagement and collaboration to achieve the city's water conservation goals.
Overall, the council's discussions reflected a proactive approach to managing San Antonio's water resources and financial planning, setting the stage for future initiatives aimed at sustainability and efficiency.