San Antonio Water Utility Is Electrifying Its Fleet

San Antonio Water System is known for its water conservation efforts. Now, it’s doing its part to help the environment by cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.

The city-owned utility says it is adding 13 fully electric vehicles to its fleet over the next two years.

Six Chevrolet Bolts are going to its conservation department for employees to use for holding irrigation consultations with customers, which are free. The leak detection team is getting two E-transit vans for use on field investigations this summer, typically a peak time for leaks. Five Ford Lightnings will be added in 2024.

SAWS already has several charging stations installed at its headquarters, including two that are available for the public to use for free. The other stations are for its fleet vehicles. The charging stations are part of SAWS’ efforts under SA Climate Ready, the city’s climate action and adaptation plan.

In addition to adding charging stations and using electric, natural gas-powered and hybrid vehicles in city fleets, the plan calls for adding neighborhood sites for residents to shelter from extreme heat and extreme cold and painting streets with reflective coating so pavement doesn’t hold heat from the sun and raise temperatures.

SAWS is working with CPS Energy and NextEra Energy on a fleet electrification study, which is expected to help CPS Energy in planning its infrastructure needs as SAWS and other large organizations turn to electric vehicles to cut down on their fleets’ carbon emissions.

SAWS said the study also will help it identify the best use of electric vehicles in its fleet. SAWS has more than 1,300 vehicles, including specialized equipment such as excavators and concrete trucks.