Leaky Pipes, A Never-Ending Drought and Population Growth. What’s Really Driving Water Rates?

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, Eddie Aldrete sits down with Robert Puente, CEO of San Antonio Water System, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of water in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. Puente explains where San Antonio’s water comes from, how projects like Vista Ridge helped the city survive years of severe drought, and why long-term planning is critical to keeping up with continued growth. The discussion also explores how SAWS uses aquifer storage, desalination, and conservation efforts to secure the region’s water future.The episode dives into the challenges facing SAWS today, including aging infrastructure, underground leaks, and the need for major upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities. Puente explains why SAWS is seeking a multi-year rate increase, how the utility plans to invest billions into infrastructure improvements, and why he believes San Antonio still maintains some of the lowest water rates among major Texas cities. The San Antonio City Council has the final say with their scheduled vote on June 11th.The conversation also covers water conservation, data centers, and the changing technology behind modern water use. Puente shares how San Antonio residents are using roughly the same amount of water today as they did 25 years ago despite explosive population growth, thanks to decades of conservation efforts and more efficient appliances. From leak detection technology to underground water storage and recycled water systems, this episode offers an inside look at the innovation, planning, and policy decisions shaping San Antonio’s water future.