SAN ANTONIO – Six water main breaks have occurred on Loy Drive since 2021, leading to growing frustration among residents, particularly for one local homeowner. Jovonne Gonzales, who has experienced the recurring issue firsthand, expressed her weariness over the persistent problem that disrupts her daily life.
“Every morning I go out and look for water main breaks; that’s part of my normal routine,” Gonzales shared. The frequency of these breaks has not only caused inconvenience but has also raised concerns about the infrastructure in the area. Most of the incidents have taken place down the road, yet a recent break occurred right in front of her home, with water threatening to reach her foundation.
“Just about once a year for the last five, now six years, we’ve had water main breaks here in almost the same location,” Gonzales noted. “Our street is not even a half mile long, so I feel like that’s an excessive amount.” The ongoing disruptions have compelled her to alter her daily plans, highlighting the significant impact on her quality of life.
In an effort to seek answers, Gonzales filed a public records request with the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) but was disappointed with the response. “In their opinion, they felt like it was not an excessive amount, once a year for the last six years,” she explained. “I don’t think they’re doing anything on it to consider this a troubled area.” This lack of action raises concerns about the responsiveness of local authorities to infrastructure issues affecting residents.
SAWS did provide a map of future water main projects, which are contingent on City Council approval of its rates in October. The situation on Loy Drive underscores a broader issue faced by many neighborhoods: aging infrastructure and the need for proactive maintenance. Residents like Gonzales are left hoping that their concerns will be addressed before the next break disrupts their lives again.
Future water main projects (San Antonio Water System)
