Plus, a new menu comes to Mixtli.
 
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96º | 0% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 7:27 a.m. | Sunset 7:17 p.m.| Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

Giving a dam

Happy hydraulics: Learning about San Antonio’s water infrastructure
Black and white photo of how Olmos Dam featured a road across in the 1930s.
Did you know from 1927 through 1979, there was a scenic road that would take you across this dam in the the Alamo Heights neighborhood? | Photo by UTSA Special Collections
We all know San Antonio’s iconic nicknames — the Alamo City, Countdown City, the 210 — but we’re here to focus on the water aspect of the River City.

Today we’re examining San Antonio’s water infrastructure and how it keeps the city’s thirst quenched + its residents safe by regulating water flow.

Iconic water structures

Constructed in 1925 to respond to the 1921 flood, the Olmos Dam not only keeps communities safe, but also featured a roadway that overlooked the entire basin.

Olmos Drive was relocated (removing the topside road) during a 1979 renovation project that also added further dam + road improvements.

Later in 1989, it was upgraded to include the ability to remotely control the dam off site.

The Espada Aqueduct is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Park, and National Historic Landmark.

The Espada Aqueduct is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, National Park, and National Historic Landmark. | Photo by the National Park Service


Taking water history back even further to the 18th century, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park features the only Spanish aqueduct in the US — which still has flowing water to this day.

Managing our water

The City of San Antonio’s public utility company San Antonio Water System (SAWS) was established in May 1992.

SAWS manages water usage, permits, sources, and conservation for the entire Alamo City. They’re the one’s who implement important waterminders like watering restrictions.

From ground to faucet

You’ve definitely seen water towers across the city, like at Classen-Steubing Ranch Park or the iconic Leon Valley water tower. These structures serve an important function in our local infrastructure.

Strawberry shaped water tower with red and orange spots and a green top.

Think of water towers as blank canvases waiting for a special design, like this strawberry-themed one in Poteet, TX.

|

Photo by Mike McGraw

Officially named elevated storage tanks, these vessels provide everyday functions such as:
  • Helping create water pressure for residential homes
  • Holding excess water for firefighters
  • Satisfying everyday waters needs for the community
Water towers don’t need to be boring in design either. Think the strawberry tower in Poteet or this UFO-shaped one in Rio Vista.

For a deeper dive into wacky water tower designs, City Editor Nicholas recommends watching this video.
 
Events
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Thursday, Oct. 3
  • Talleres de Son Jarocho/Son Jarocho Workshops | Thursday, Oct. 3-Saturday, Oct. 5 | 4-6 p.m. | Central Library | Free | Explore the history of the Son Jarocho musical tradition and practice the jarana instrument in this three-day workshop.
  • Wine & Whiskey Walk | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 5-8 p.m. | Village at Stone Oak | $10+ | Learn about all things whiskey + wine with food pairings, drink samples, raffle prizes, and giveaways.
  • An Evening with Octavio Quintanilla | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6-8 p.m. | Our Lady of the Lake University, Main Building | Cost of purchase | The former San Antonio Poet Laureate reads excerpts from his new novel, “The Book of Wounded Sparrows.”
Friday, Oct. 4
  • FUMC Pumpkin Patch | Friday, Oct. 4-Sunday, Oct. 27 | Times vary | The Agricultural Museum & Arts Center, Boerne | Free | Welcoming families and kids of all ages, enjoy games, food trucks, and of course, pumpkins — open Friday to Sunday.
  • 1010 South Flores Night Market | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6-10 p.m. | R+R Collective Co. | Cost of purchase | Bring your boo thang for a spooky, family-friendly market featuring vintage clothing sellers, coffee, and matcha + tea vendors.
  • 1st Friday Kundalini and Sound Bowls | Friday, Oct. 4 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Blue Heart Studio | $21+ | Master breathing techniques and perfect your yoga poses with this end-of-the-week reset.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Eat
  • Mixtli announced a new menu inspired by 16th century Spain. The Conquest menu arrives Friday, Oct. 25 and will take you along for a culinary journey with tastes from Extremadura, Cuba, and the Yucatán Peninsula. Tickets are $111.
Cause
  • October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Sexology Institute is donating a portion of proceeds from sales on Wednesdays throughout the month to support WINGS. The nonprofit organization provides breast health services for uninsured women in South Texas.
Wellness
  • The Sunnyhour Studio is teasing a new location for its upcoming pop-up pilates + yoga class. Location details are still under wraps, but the studio is promising a haunted house + Halloween-themed class on Saturday, Oct. 26. Stay tuned for more details.
Civic
  • Small business resource center, Launch SA, reopened yesterday in a redesigned space. Have a business idea? Take a look at its free events calendar and get your idea off the ground.
Ranked
  • You give love a bad name, San Antonio — at least that’s what a recent study says. The Alamo City is ranked No. 5 for the worst US city for dating — taking in factors like number of singles and divorce rates. Having Tinder troubles yourself? Our guide to date night ideas might help. (TimeOut)
Holiday
  • Sundown tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Communities who observe this holiday typically enjoy apples and honey in hopes of having a sweet new year. The celebration runs until sundown on Friday, Oct. 4. Shana Tova.
Sports
  • Hosts from Locked On Tigers enter the chat and discuss the Astros’ matchup against the Tigers in the Wild Card Series. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Houston Astros with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Health
    • Stop missing out on the conversations that matter — try these stealthy, barely noticeable next-gen hearing aids. No wonder 400,000+ customers love them.*
    Finance
    • United Texas Credit Union is here to help San Antonians get rewarded this holiday season whether they’re out getting gifts at The Shops at La Cantera or earning cash back via the customized $hopping Rewards online portal. See how to add this card to your wallet this holiday season.*
    Wellness
    • Upgrade your morning cup of joe when you switch to VitaCup’s Genius Coffee. It’s infused with vitamins and minerals that support all-day energy + focus. Try it in coffee pods.*
     
    On This Day

    San Antonio is so fetch

    That’s so fetch: A San Antonio history recap
    Mean Girls SATX
    San Antonio may not have been founded by the inventor of Toaster Strudel, but we can appreciate these history making events in honor of Oct. 3. | Photo by SATXtoday
    On Wednesdays, we wear pink, and read SATXtoday’s daily newsletter. It’s almost Oct. 3 and we’re being fetch by talking about San Antonio history. Let’s jump right in because Janis, we cannot stop this car, we have a curfew.

    Oct. 3, 1835 — The Battle of Gonzales
    While not technically happening on Oct. 3, the Oct. 2 battle sparked the fire of the Texas Revolution.

    Oct. 3, 1860 — Sam Houston’s speech
    At least 2,000 people came to the San Pedro Springs Park to hear the governor’s speech, which doubled as a barbecue.

    Oct. 3, 1942 — H-E-B opens its first San Antonio store
    After seeing success in 1905 in Kerville, the then-small grocer plants its roots in San Antonio at 1802 Main Ave.

    Looking for more “Mean Girls” content? Go like Glen Coco to the Majestic Theatre on Friday, Nov. 8 and see the hit Broadway musical based off the film.
    The Buy

    The Buy 10.02.24 (Affiliate)
    Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner — it can repair split ends + protect against future damage, helping you achieve strong, silky-smooth hair. Psst, it’s less than $20.
    More worth The Buy
     
    The Wrap
     
    Nicholas Caballero.png

    Today’s edition by:
    Nicholas
    From the editor
    Hey bestie. I have been obsessed with Moo Deng memes across social media. Even though the San Antonio Zoo doesn’t have Pygmy Hippos, we cherish Timothy + Uma — and Kevin the Duck too.
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