San Antonio City Commission Approves Water Plan Updates

The San Antonio City Commission has approved Ordinance No. 04-2024, updating the city's Comprehensive Plan with revised elements for its Ten-Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plan. The amendments focus on infrastructure, conservation, intergovernmental coordination, and capital improvements.

The updated plan projects the city's water demands and supplies over the next 20 years. It will guide management of water resources for residents, businesses, and officials, ensuring a safe and reliable supply. The plan also includes recommendations for future development and ongoing water conservation.

City officials enacted the ordinance to implement growth policy, municipal planning, and land development regulations under Florida Statutes Part II of Chapter 163, exempting it from a standard Business Impact Estimate. Private businesses will not face a direct economic impact; the city and its utility department are responsible for compliance.

New development standards, such as recommendations for low-volume plumbing fixtures and Florida-Friendly landscaping, will apply to new construction. Existing businesses are not required to take retroactive action unless they already deviate from the new standards.

The Central Florida Regional Planning Council prepared the amendments using existing city records on population, utility customers, and water treatment facility specifications. Regulatory requirements were reviewed against standards from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.