The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) is a public utility owned by the City of San Antonio, established in May 1992 through the consolidation of three predecessor agencies. SAWS serves approximately 2 million residents across Bexar County and parts of Medina and Atascosa counties, providing both water and wastewater services to a diverse population, which includes over 511,000 water customers and approximately 458,000 wastewater customers. The utility is governed by a Board of Trustees, which includes the mayor of San Antonio and six members appointed by the City Council.
SAWS is committed to delivering sustainable, affordable water services and ensuring the responsible management of water resources. Their mission focuses on enhancing community trust and satisfaction through operational efficiencies, ethical standards, and involvement in public participation. The organization emphasizes environmental protection, actively promoting conservation efforts while maintaining essential infrastructure for reliable service delivery.
In addition to serving its immediate customer base, SAWS is also proactive in community involvement initiatives, aiming to support residents in need through programs designed to prevent disconnections due to late payments. The organization holds a strong commitment to maintaining transparency, frequently publishing financial reports and updates on operations. With its extensive infrastructure, which includes 13,000 miles of water and sewer mains, SAWS provides significant contributions to the water supply, including operating the largest direct recycled water system in the nation and a desalination plant producing 12 million gallons of drinking water daily. Overall, SAWS aims to lead the way in responsible water services while ensuring the long-term sustainability of vital water resources for future generations.
