Air Quality
A Breath of Fresh Air
San Antonio is a big city blessed with a warm climate, robust economy, and growing population. But like all big cities, those blessings also present challenges that may threaten our collective well-being. One of those challenges is keeping our air clean – the air that we breathe every day and on which all life depends. Our air doesn’t look particularly dirty, but the truth is we have surpassed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health-based clean air standards. Therefore, it’s important for us all to work together to reduce pollution and clean up our air.
Air pollution can be caused by many things, including burning of fossil fuels for power generation, industrial manufacturing and refining, and driving our vehicles. By reducing our energy use and finding more sustainable ways to get around our City, we will work together to keep our air clean.
Air Quality
What is Ozone?
UNIT | We determine the amount of ozone in the air by measuring its concentration in "parts per billion" (ppb). To help visualize this, consider one drop of ink in a large gasoline tanker truck. This would be the equivalent of about 1 ppb of ink. | ppbParts per Billion |
We determine the amount of ozone in the air by measuring its concentration in "parts per billion" (ppb). To help visualize this, consider one drop of ink in a large gasoline tanker truck. This would be the equivalent of about 1 ppb of ink. | ppbParts per Billion |
Air Quality
Air Quality
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 - Goal
Air Quality
What is "Non-Attainment"?
One way the City is achieving this goal is through its Anti-Idling Ordinance. Idling can burn up to a gallon of fuel per hour needlessly and those numbers can add up quickly when multiplied by the number of vehicles in San Antonio. This is a small but effective way to bring down local air pollution levels.
Air Quality
How San Antonio is Monitoring Air Quality
Whether we meet Federal standards depends on a number of factors including how attainment levels are determined. A three-year average is calculated for each of Bexar County's monitors. At the end of the year, the highest of the three-year averages is considered the “design value” for Bexar County. In 2015 the highest value was 78 at Camp Bullis. The same logic was applied to the following years, so a high reading at a single site can have a big influence on whether we meet the standard.
Did you know?
Have you Signed up for Ozone Alerts?
Water Conservation and Protection
Protecting our Water Supply
UNIT | We measure water conservation by determining the average amount of water each person in San Antonio uses every day. | gal/pp/dayGallons per person per day |
We measure water conservation by determining the average amount of water each person in San Antonio uses every day. | gal/pp/dayGallons per person per day |
Water Conservation and Protection
Water Conservation and Protection
1992
2014
2016
2018
2019
2040 - Goal
San Antonio has a goal to reduce water consumption to 96 gallons per person per day
Water Conservation and Protection
Where Our Water Comes From
Water Conservation and Protection
Saving Water Today is an Investment in Our Future!
San Antonio Parks
Places to Gather
San Antonio Parks
Our Park System
San Antonio Parks and Recreation
Programs and Fun at San Antonio Parks
San Antonio Parks
Find Out What's Going on at Your Parks!
Tree Canopy and Natural Habitat
Tree Canopy
UNIT | Percent tree canopy describes the proportion of the total land that is covered by tree branches and leaves. | %Percent Tree Canopy |
Percent tree canopy describes the proportion of the total land that is covered by tree branches and leaves. | %Percent Tree Canopy |
Tree Canopy Goals
2014
2040 - Goal
Tree Canopy and Natural Habitat
San Antonio's Tree Canopy Map
Tree Canopy and Natural Habitat
EquiTree Program
Data gathered by the United States Forest Service demonstrates that census tracts deemed more “socially vulnerable” — a categorization based on factors such as poverty, lack of vehicle access, and crowded housing — have less tree coverage. That also correlates with the city’s equity matrix, which quantifies disparities in race and income in San Antonio: the higher the score, the higher the number of low-income people and people of color in that census tract.
A map of San Antonio with Highest Need and Lowest Need areas shaded is next to a chart indicating the types of trees, amount of area, and other factors for each color.
Did you Know? Tree Canopy Edition
Having a large, healthy tree canopy in our city not only looks nice and provides needed shade when we're walking around but it is also an important part of our approach to making San Antonio more prepared for our changing climate.
Tree Canopy and Natural Habitat
Tree City of the World
Since 2016, San Antonio has been nationally recognized as a Tree City USA. And in October 2023, San Antonio became the first city in Texas and one of only 39 in the US to be globally recognized as a Tree City of the World!
To achieve this recognition, San Antonio met five core standards set forth by the Arbor Day Foundation including:
Establish Responsibility
San Antonio successfully designated a dedicated team and staff member within the City administration who are responsible for tree management and conservation, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to tree care and preservation.
Set the Rules
San Antonio established and implemented comprehensive tree policies and regulations that safeguard our urban canopy, providing clear guidelines for tree protection and maintenance.
Know What You Have
San Antonio has taken a significant step by earmarking funding and identifying the pressing need to develop a comprehensive inventory of our city’s trees. This effort enables the City to track tree health, growth, and needs, thereby ensuring informed decision-making for effective tree management and preservation.
Allocate Resources
San Antonio allocated the necessary resources to support tree planting, maintenance, and education programs, demonstrating the City’s commitment to sustainable urban forestry.
Celebrate Achievements
San Antonio celebrates and showcases the City’s collective commitment to cultivating a greener and more sustainable community through free annual events.
Tree Canopy and Natural Habitat
Natural Habitat
Did you Know About the Monarchs?
San Antonio has committed to the National Wildlife Federation’s “Mayor’s Monarch Pledge,” by working with partners to enhance habitats for pollinating insects and to educate and encourage the greater community to support this initiative.