District 5 Councilmember Requests a Water and Sewer Improvements
Published on April 10, 2024
District 5 Councilmember Requests a Water and Sewer Lateral Improvements Program
SAN ANTONIO (April 10, 2024) — Water and sewer laterals are vital infrastructures that are responsible for moving wastewater from homes to the main sewer line. In older areas of San Antonio, especially in pockets of the urban core, there are residences without proper connection to the main sewer line. While there are a range of factors for the lack of proper sewer infrastructure – the effects can be detrimental to the health and safety of San Antonio residents.
This Council Consideration Request (CCR) looks to address this issue to improve the health, sanitation, and quality of life for San Antonio residents.
“As our office diligently works toward addressing the lack of basic infrastructure throughout District 5, our constituent services team identified a trend where residents were struggling with a lateral in disrepair or a lack of a proper connection to their sewer main,” Councilmember Teri Castillo continued, “This policy proposal aims to alleviate this public health concern and improve the quality of life for our residents.”
Proper water and sewer laterals maintain a good quality of life for residents by preventing backups, reducing code violations, an increase in the overall lifespan of our sewer system, and improving property values.
“The San Antonio Water System is committed to providing sustainable, affordable water and wastewater services to all our customers,” SAWS President/CEO Robert R. Puente stated. “Although our award-winning programs such as Plumbers To People and Laterals To People provide an invaluable service for those who qualify, areas of our city may need additional support. This proposal seeks to identify additional solutions to these issues.”
The result of this policy proposal could strengthen the quality of life for San Antonio residents by considering the following:
- The development of a City of San Antonio-Sponsored Residential Water & Sewer Lateral Installation Pilot which includes connections to the SAWS water and sewer main lines location within the right-of-way.
- A review of and update to Division 2 Article V – Sewage Transportation, Treatment and Disposal.
- Requesting the appropriate entities to map out residential properties with missing laterals.
Councilmembers Jalen McKee-Rodriguez (D2), Phyllis Viagran (D3), Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia (D4), and Marina Alderete Gavito (D7) signed on to the council consideration request.