141. Why San Antonio Isn’t Running Out of Water — A Conversation with SAWS CEO Robert Puente

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the present and future of San Antonio’s water supply—a topic at the center of new rate increase discussions and long-term regional planning. San Antonio has quietly become a national leader in water conservation, with steady water use despite decades of rapid population growth, distinguishing itself from many fast-growing Texas cities now facing water shortages.

Host Cory Ames sits down with Robert Puente, CEO of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS), to discuss how decades of planning, innovation, and strategic failures led to San Antonio’s robust and diversified water portfolio. They explore the historical context behind recent rate hikes, how SAWS manages a “wet water” supply, and the implications of upcoming infrastructure investments.

This episode addresses:

• The origins and timeline of San Antonio’s water conservation success

• Why San Antonio draws on multiple water sources—and what that means for resilience

• The rationale behind the anticipated rate increase, what it would fund, and how residents can hold SAWS accountable

• Major challenges ahead, from aging wastewater infrastructure to climate change and regional growth

• How SAWS is planning for the city’s future needs, including conservation targets and adaptation to extreme weather

Puente also discusses the unique rule changes that govern local aquifers, collaboration (and competition) with neighboring cities, and how San Antonio’s approach could serve as a model for regional water strategy.

For those invested in San Antonio’s long-term sustainability, water security, and civic planning, this episode offers an in-depth look at one of the city’s most critical—and often overlooked—success stories.

RECOMMENDED NEXT LISTEN:

▶️ #131. Too Much, Too Fast: San Antonio’s Floods and the Fight to Adapt – Dive deeper into the environmental challenges facing San Antonio with this timely episode. Host Cory Ames is joined by local experts to unpack the aftermath of record-breaking floods, explore climate change’s impact on water management, and discuss what it takes to make our city more resilient. If you’re interested in how San Antonio tackles water security, flooding, and smart growth, this conversation is a must-listen.

-- -- 

CONNECT

📸 Connect on Instagram

🔗 Join us on LinkedIn

🎥 Subscribe on YouTube

SPONSORS

🙌 Support the show & see our sponsors

THANK YOU

⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

⭐ Rate us on Spotify