Fluoride already occurs naturally in San Antonio's water between 0 to 0.3 parts per million. SAWS will add enough fluoride to bring the fluoride level up to 0.8 parts per million, the recommended level that experts say is necessary to protect teeth against decay. Current estimates are for some time in early 2002. However, arrangement are still being made to finalize system plans, to solicit and select vendors for materials, and to test and set up the fluoridation injection system. SAWS will notify the public before fluoride is introduced to the water in our system.
Customers can install filtration systems that can remove fluoride from the water.
SAWS is dedicated to preserving the agricultural economy in the area. We continue to work with farmers to help them conserve water, prove their water rights in the Edwards Aquifer permitting process, and negotiate fair water-rights leases equitable to both parties. A new agriculture program gives farmers the opportunity to receive water-saving pivot irrigation systems in exchange for water rights in the acreage that make up the corners of their fields, an area that is not usually irrigated. SAWS offers a number of programs designed to help customers with their bills. The most innovative of these programs is Plumbers to People , a service that provides free plumbing repairs to low-income SAWS customers.