Homeowners on Pennystone Avenue in San Antonio’s Southeast side are once again dealing with floodwater in their backyards and homes. The latest incident, which occurred in August, follows a similar event in July 2025. Residents say water surged through an alley behind their houses, entered yards, and in some cases rose into interiors, damaging personal property and causing costly clean‑up.
Residents describe damage and frustration
Rosie Montemayor, a 25‑year resident, said the recent flood was worse than the first. “The water reached inside my home, damaging my game room and a bedroom in the back,” she said. “I had to throw away shoes, furniture, and other items. My antique furniture is ruined and can’t be replaced.” Montemayor estimates she spent more than $500 on power‑washing the residue left on her property and says the total damage runs into the thousands, including the cost of new tile for her game room.
Neighbor Alfred Godoy reported that water flooded his backyard, traveled beneath his home, and emerged near his driveway, forcing him to clean the area himself. “All this area flooded right here in the front and back. I had to clean it up myself. Who else was going to do it?” he said.
Another resident, Sylvia Servantes, described the water level in the alley as so high it blocked access to her driveway and backyard, frightening her son. “I couldn’t go inside the alley or the backyard at all because the water was high. I couldn’t walk, and my son got scared,” she said.
SAWS explains the cause and project scope
The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) told KSAT the flooding is linked to an aging 8‑inch cast‑iron water main located in the alley behind the homes. The line is part of SAWS’s Highland‑Goliad Water Main Replacement Project, a broader infrastructure effort aimed at replacing aging water lines that have a history of breaks.
According to SAWS, the project will move water pipes and meters out of alleys and into streets, and will connect existing customer service lines to new mains. The work covers multiple streets, including South Walters Street, McDougal Avenue, Cravens Avenue, Glamis Avenue, Waugh Street, Offer, Pennystone Avenue, Lyric Avenue, and areas near Bill Miller Lane. In total, the project is expected to replace approximately 17,500 feet of water mains with an estimated budget of $8.9 million, and is slated for completion by November 2027.
Residents seek answers and reimbursement
While the larger replacement effort proceeds, affected homeowners say they have received little information about why the flooding occurred or how the damage will be remedied. “Two years in a row? Come on, get it done,” Montemayor said, urging the utility to take responsibility.
Some residents have filed claims with SAWS in hopes of being reimbursed for property damage. SAWS confirmed it is working with claimants but did not provide details on the status or timeline for settlements.
SAWS response and next steps
SAWS emphasized that the project is essential for long‑term reliability of the water system and that addressing the aging infrastructure will ultimately protect residents from future incidents. The utility encouraged homeowners to review active construction projects on its website or call 210‑233‑3500 for updates.
Community members continue to call for clearer communication and timely remediation. As the project moves forward, local officials and SAWS officials are being asked to keep residents informed and to ensure that any damage caused by the ongoing work is fairly addressed.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
