Salado Creek Foundation

SAWS Turns On The Tap

Mar 12, 2001

Tuesday March 6 was an historic day on the Salado Creek, as representatives from the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) turned on the tap that allowed recycled water to begin flowing into the creek.

Officials estimate that about 650,000 gallons per day will be added to the creek in the Rittiman Road area at John James City Park.

While it?’s not enough to create a raging river, the water should lead to a healthier environment.

Biologists hope the increased flow will improve the water quality and help aquatic life thrive. That?’s important because the Salado is on the Environmental Protection Agency?’s 303D list, meaning it doesn?’t support aquatic life like it should.

Higher water quality is good for humans too because we are investing millions of tax dollars in improvements to the area.

Since the creek will soon be home to Hike and Bike Trails and millions of dollars in bond upgrades, the increased flow should create a much nicer place to relax and play.

The $125 million pipeline project, which carries water from a treatment plant on the far southside, also provides water to golf courses, cemeteries and other industrial users, freeing up water which would have been pumped from the Edwards Aquifer.

If you would like to see the augmentation site yourself, it's located on the west bank of Salado Creek, just a few feet south of the Rittiman Road bridge.