The week-long cleaning of the San Antonio River began Monday, Jan. 6, 2014
Benjamin Olivo/Express-News
The San Antonio River is being drained once more. Here's what to know.
Published: Thu, 01/11/24
The San Antonio River is being drained once more. Here's what to know.
Don't forget about the biannual event.
The week-long cleaning of the San Antonio River began Monday, Jan. 6, 2014
Benjamin Olivo/Express-News
MYSA
By Priscilla Aguirre
Since the 1980s, the city has drained the famously green San Antonio River to keep things clean downtown. Every two years, officials drain the commercial stretch of the river and rid it of its trash, as well as mysterious and lost items.
City officials are set to begin draining the San Antonio River on Friday, January 12. The draining is expected to last until January 21. The River Walk Loop and bustling areas will remain unaffected. No road, sidewalk, or trail closures are planned during this period, according to the city.
Matthew Driffill a biologist with San Antonio River Authority holds an Apple Snail he pulled from the river as the San Antonio River was drained for cleaning. The snail is an invasive variety and many were found.
Bob Owen/San Antonio Express-News
The San Antonio River main channel will be fully drained from Josephine Street to E. Nueva Street and from S. Alamo Street to Lone Star Boulevard. The populated River Loop and extension will be filled and operational.
In the drained sections of the river, crews will be removing sediment build-up and debris, according to the city. The river was last drained in January 2022, which included the draining of the River Loop section.
San Antonio River draining
When it was last drained, officials removed more than 500 giant invasive apple snails from the river. The snails can grow up to the size of a baseball and are usually the result of aquarium releases.
The species can wreak havoc on aquatic vegetation and can carry a rodent lungworm parasite that can infect humans.Officials donated the 500 apple snails found so far to Southwestern University for research.
Along with the wildlife, officials found chairs, strollers, eating utensils, large amounts of rock sediment, and common restaurant items.
The project is a joint effort between the City of San Antonio's Center City Development and Operations Department, Public Works Department, and the San Antonio River Authority.