SATX-NSA: Impact 10/10/2025

During the Oct. 1 San Antonio City Council meeting, the San Antonio Water System, SAWS, gave a presentation about its budget process ahead of the beginning of its fiscal year on Jan. 1.

In the presentation, SAWS officials discussed a potential rate increase for early 2026, which is driven by necessary capital improvements to maintain the system which serves 2.1 million people in the San Antonio area.

Long story short: Doug Evanson, SAWS chief financial officer, said the primary driver for the rate increase is the need to rehabilitate two of the SAWS largest water recycling centers: the Steven M. Clouse Water Recycling Center and the Leon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Zooming in: Evanson said that though SAWS is projecting a slight increase of 1% in operating revenues compared to the previous year, operating and maintenance costs are projected to increase by $9.3 million.

This resort and spa on San Antonio's Northwest side has completed an expansion project with the opening of a new event venue.

In case you missed it: La Cantera Resort & Spa unveiled The Calera, a new 5,600-square-foot event venue geared toward weddings and other formal events.

It’s situated behind one of the resort's high-end restaurants, called Signature at 16401 La Cantera Parkway.

General Manager Ben Turner, along with San Antonio officials, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center on Oct. 3.

“This space was identified as a way to create memories for San Antonio and still encompass the Hill Country vibe and scenic views,” Turner said.

The details: Along with other indoor and outdoor event spaces at the resort, The Calera is La Cantera’s 10th venue in total, according to their website.

Turner said the venue can be used for weekday meetings, evening receptions, weddings and more.

• 16401 La Cantera Parkway, San Antonio

Texas’ power grid is unlikely to have issues this December, according to an Oct. 3 report by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas.

The details: During the winter, demand for electricity spikes when people get up in the morning and return home in the evening. This December, the tightest period is expected to be from 7-8 a.m. each day, when little to no solar power is being produced. ERCOT found that there will be a 1.81% chance of a grid emergency during that time.

“Under typical grid conditions, the deterministic scenario indicates that there should be sufficient generating capacity available," the report reads.

The background: Texas' grid withstood three cold snaps early this year. ERCOT last asked residents to voluntarily reduce their energy use in January 2024.

Legislative approach: State lawmakers approved legislation this spring that is designed to make the grid more reliable by tightening regulations on large electric consumers, such as data centers. In extreme grid conditions, those customers will be required to switch to backup power to reduce strain on the grid.

A community organization formed in the 1800s in Comal County is recognizing its 150th anniversary this fall.

The context: Anhalt’s Germania Farmer Verein was established in 1875 by early German settlers in the area, the organization's current President, Max Engel, told Community Impact in an email.

Originally created as a community group to discuss the protection and preservation of livestock and agriculture in the Hill Country, Engel said it now focuses on celebrating and preserving German tradition and culture.

“We are thrilled to mark 150 years of our organization’s dedication to preserving German culture and community spirit,” Engel said in a news release.

The group’s headquarters, called Anhalt Halle, is located at 2390 Anhalt Road in Spring Branch, situated in western Comal County.

What’s happening: The organization is hosting Anhalt’s Annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to honor the milestone anniversary.

• 2390 Anhalt Road, Spring Branch