The city of San Marcos will enter Stage 1 drought restrictions starting Sunday in response to low aquifer levels.

With drought restrictions in place, residents must limit at-home car washing, sprinklers and irrigations systems.

The city implements stage 1 drought restrictions when the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer index drops below 660 feet above mean sea level over a 10-day window. According to a news release, the 10-day average aquifer level was at 659.3 feet and the daily reading was 657.9 feet on May 21.

Tom Taggart, executive director of San Marcos Public Services, said in the news release that even with the recent bout of rain, the aquifer levels continue to drop due to high demand.

“It’s essential that we all do our part to reduce water use now, in order to avoid additional drought restrictions later,” Taggart said.

For more information about stage 1 drought restrictions visit www.sanmarcostx.gov/drought or call 512-393-8310.