Almost three months after San Marcos entered stage 2 drought restrictions, the city announced that due to recent rainfall it would be returning to stage 1 restrictions on Sept. 16.

“Even though we received moderate amounts of rainfall in our area, parts of the recharge zone received 10-plus inches over the last two weeks,” Tom Taggart, executive director of public services, said in a written statement. “More rain is predicted for the region, so we are hopeful that stage 1 drought restrictions can be suspended in the near future.”

The city determines the drought restriction level by monitoring the level of the Edwards Aquifer well index; it will relax restrictions from stage 2 to stage 1 when the average level of the well over a 10-day period is 650 feet above mean sea level.

San Marcos initially entered stage 1 restrictions in May, after the average level of the well over a 10-day period fell below 660 feet above mean sea level.

To stay updated on drought restrictions, visit the city's drought response page.