San Antonio River Authority
The San Antonio River Authority is a Texas state government authority managing the 240-mile San Antonio River watershed across Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. Funded by property taxes, it delivers flood control, wastewater treatment, water quality monitoring, parks, and environmental laboratory services to residents, municipalities, and developers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1943
- HeadquartersSan Antonio, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What San Antonio River Authority does
The San Antonio River Authority is a Texas state government authority established in 1937 (operating since the 1940s) to manage the 240-mile course of the San Antonio River and its watershed across Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties in South Texas. It is funded primarily by property taxes from the four-county service area and operates an integrated portfolio of flood control, water quality, wastewater, and environmental services. Its core product lines include flood risk management (40+ dams, the San Antonio River Flood Tunnel, and 200+ HALT flood sensors feeding the SARiverFlood.org real-time portal), wastewater treatment (Salitrillo WWTP serving ~33,000 people and Martinez facilities using biological treatment with UV disinfection), river health monitoring (Clean Rivers Program at 180+ sites across six watersheds, eDNA/qPCR testing, biological assessments), the NELAP-accredited SARA-REL Regional Environmental Laboratory, green infrastructure and Low Impact Development services (proprietary Water Quality Modeling Tools, LID Technical Design Manual), stream restoration (Natural Channel Design Protocol), parks and trails (Mission Reach, Escondido Creek Parkway), household hazardous waste collection, debris removal, and environmental incident reporting.
The agency's go-to-market is direct service delivery to constituents and government counterparties rather than commercial sales. It partners with the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, TCEQ, and the National Recreation and Park Association to deliver major capital and regulatory programs. Pricing is effectively a tax-and-fee model: most resident-facing services are free (household hazardous waste events, debris removal, flood assessments, parks), while wastewater is delivered as a utility service. Revenue sources include property taxes (primary), wastewater utility fees, grant funding (federal, state, local), and modest event/park fees. The agency employs 251-500 staff across offices at 100 E. Guenther (HQ), 600 E. Euclid (Environmental Center and SARA-REL), and the under-construction Sheridan Administration Building. The technology base is environmental science, hydrology, molecular biology, and GIS — not software or AI — with proprietary standards (Water Quality Modeling Tools, LID Manual, NCD Protocol) functioning as the agency's de facto intellectual property.
San Antonio River Authority firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- San Antonio River Authority
- Legal name
- San Antonio River Authority
- Website
- https://sariverauthority.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1943
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- The San Antonio River Authority is a Texas state government authority managing the 240-mile San Antonio River watershed across Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. Funded by property taxes, it delivers flood control, wastewater treatment, water quality monitoring, parks, and environmental laboratory services to residents, municipalities, and developers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
San Antonio River Authority industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Watershed Management and Environmental Services
- NAICS
- Sewage Treatment Facilities (221320), Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213), Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs (92411), Remediation and Other Waste Management Services (5629)
- SIC
- Sanitary Services (4950), Electric, Gas & Sanitary Services (4900), Hazardous Waste Management (4955)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Water Resources Administration (Watersheds, Rivers, Groundwater) (BPAIAMAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Flood Control & Protection Infrastructure (Levees, Floodwalls, Gates, Pump Stations) (EUANAEAI), Detention, Retention & Storage Systems (Ponds, Tanks, Vaults) (EUANAEAD), Stormwater Management & MS4 Compliance Services (BPALAMAL), Water & Wastewater Compliance (NPDES/Stormwater, Pretreatment, Drinking Water/SDWA) (EUAHABAB)
Keywords
Where San Antonio River Authority is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Antonio
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
San Antonio River Authority business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Property Tax Revenue: The River Authority is funded by property taxes from residents in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties. This is the primary funding source for operations and capital projects.
- Wastewater Treatment Services: The River Authority operates as a full-service wastewater utility provider within its district, providing wastewater treatment services to communities.
- Event and Park Services: Some park services and events generate revenue through reservations and programming, though many community events are free.
- Grant Funding: Federal, state, and local grant funding supports various projects including flood control, environmental protection, and infrastructure improvements.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
San Antonio River Authority product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The San Antonio River Authority is a regional government authority that manages the 240-mile San Antonio River watershed across Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties in Texas. It delivers flood risk management through 40+ dams, the San Antonio River Flood Tunnel, and 200+ HALT real-time monitoring sensors; operates wastewater treatment plants and a NELAP-accredited regional environmental laboratory; implements green infrastructure, low impact development, and stream restoration projects; manages parks and trails; and provides household hazardous waste collection, debris removal, and environmental education services.
Product overview
The San Antonio River Authority is a government agency (not a software product company) providing environmental management and public utility services across a four-county jurisdiction. Its offerings include flood risk management with over 200 HALT sensors and real-time monitoring dashboards, wastewater treatment plants (Salitrillo WWTP, Martinez facilities), river health monitoring with NELAP-accredited laboratory services, green infrastructure and low impact development programs with modeling tools, stream restoration using Natural Channel Design, interactive mapping and water quality dashboards, parks and trails management, household hazardous waste collection events, debris removal programs, and environmental incident reporting. The services operate as integrated environmental management functions rather than a unified software platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Flood Risk Management Services Comprehensive flood risk management program providing planning, protection, preparedness, and mitigation services across Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties, utilizing dams, tunnels, HALT sensors, and real-time monitoring systems for residents, businesses, and partner municipalities.
- Wastewater Treatment Plants Full-service wastewater utility operating treatment plants including the Salitrillo WWTP serving approximately 33,000 people in northeast and eastern Bexar County and Martinez facilities, using biological treatment processes and ultraviolet light disinfection.
- River Health Monitoring Water quality monitoring, biological assessments, and environmental investigations conducted by Water Quality Scientists, Aquatic Biologists, and Stormwater Scientists to assess river health and identify pollution sources across the four-county basin.
- Regional Environmental Laboratory (SARA-REL) NELAP-accredited laboratory providing analytical testing services for non-potable water, solid and chemical materials, and environmental water quality monitoring for municipalities, wastewater plants, environmental consultants, and industrial clients; includes eDNA capabilities for detecting human fecal indicator bacteria.
- Green Infrastructure Program Stormwater management program deploying bioretention systems, permeable pavement, bioswales, and cisterns to reduce runoff and improve water quality, with an interactive Green Infrastructure Dashboard tracking managed stormwater volumes and pollutant reductions.
- Low Impact Development (LID) Services Sustainable land planning and design approach managing stormwater on site, including technical design manual, training programs, and proprietary Water Quality Modeling Tools (Load Reduction Tool, Enhanced BMP Tool, Timeseries Utility) for BMP/LID prioritization.
- Stream Restoration Services Natural Channel Design (NCD) stream restoration services improving physical, chemical, and biological functions of stream systems using fluvial geomorphology principles, including the East Salitrillo Creek Pilot Project demonstrating stabilization, water quality treatment, and functional lift techniques.
- HALT (High Water Alert Lifesaving Technology) System Real-time flood monitoring system with over 200 HALT sensors installed at low water crossings across the four-county region, providing green/yellow/red status indicators and subscription-based text and email alerts for road conditions during flood events via SARiverFlood.org.
- Interactive Mapping and Dashboards Suite of interactive tools including Floodplain Viewer, Water Quality Viewer, Watershed Master Plan Viewer, Green Infrastructure Dashboard, and Bacteria Dashboard providing real-time and historical data visualization for watershed management.
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events Six free semi-annual collection events per year in Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties accepting household hazardous waste, tires, paint, electronics, and pharmaceuticals to prevent environmental contamination of waterways.
- Regional Flood Debris Removal Program Debris cleanup program for residents along San Antonio River Basin waterways in Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties, removing natural debris and man-made materials to improve floodwater conveyance and water quality.
- Parks and Trails Management Management of nature-based parks and trail systems including Mission Reach, Escondido Creek Parkway, and various recreational facilities offering hiking, biking, paddling, fishing tournaments, and nature education programs.
- Environmental Incident Reporting Reporting system for illicit discharges, illegal dumping, fish kills, water quality concerns, and emergency spills, managed in collaboration with the South-Central Texas Environmental Task Force (SCT-ETF).
- Clean Rivers Program TCEQ-funded water quality monitoring and assessment program coordinated with Bandera County River Authority and Texas Stream Team, conducting monitoring at over 180 sites across six watersheds and producing biennial Basin Summary Reports and annual Basin Highlight Reports.
- Developer and Land Use Services Services for developers including land use guidance, stormwater management requirements, and coordination for projects within the San Antonio River watershed covering Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties.
Quantifiable outcome
- The San Antonio River Tunnel prevented devastating downtown flooding during the October 1998 record rainfall event
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use San Antonio River Authority
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
San Antonio River Authority technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
San Antonio River Authority partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)minorPartnership for community park development. The NRPA collaborated with Bobcat Company on grants to parks for restoration, sustainability, and beautification projects.
- South-Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA)coreSCTRCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation representing multiple public entities in South Texas. The River Authority has partnered with SCTRCA to boost involvement of Small, Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (SWMBE) in government procurement activities. SCTRCA has established a memorandum of agreement with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and some certifications may be reciprocal with the state's HUB program.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)coreThe River Authority is a Cooperating Technical Partner with FEMA for floodplain mapping. Through this partnership, FEMA recognizes the River Authority's floodplain mapping role performed on behalf of local communities.
- U.S. Army Corps of EngineerscoreLong-standing partnership dating back to the 1954 San Antonio River Channel Improvements Project (SACIP) for flood control along 31 miles of the San Antonio River and its tributaries.
- Texas Water Development BoardcoreState agency partner for flood planning, protection, and prevention initiatives and flood preparedness information sharing.
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)coreTCEQ administers the Clean Rivers Program and provides grant funding through Clean Water Act Section 319(h) for green stormwater infrastructure projects.
- Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater DistrictminorPartnership under the Texas Clean Rivers Program to monitor the entire San Antonio River Basin.
- Texas Stream TeamminorVolunteer monitoring program partnership where citizen scientists conduct monitoring throughout Texas to support water quality assessment.
- Bexar Regional Watershed Management (BRWM)coreRegional partnership for flood preparedness coordination among multiple governmental entities throughout the watershed.
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)coreFederal partner for dam maintenance and flood control infrastructure, particularly for Escondido Creek dams.
- City of San AntoniocoreMajor partner providing majority of funding for River Authority projects. Collaborates on San Pedro Creek Culture Park, green infrastructure, Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, and bond-funded projects.
- Bexar CountycoreMajor partner providing capital improvement funding. Collaborates on creeks and trails programs, LID training, and floodplain management.
- National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP)coreAccreditation body that certified the River Authority Regional Environmental Laboratory (SARA-REL) for environmental testing services since 2008.
- South-Central Texas Environmental Task Force (SCT-ETF)minorTask force of agencies dedicated to enforcing local, state, and federal environmental laws. The River Authority collaborates with SCT-ETF to help reduce activities that cause environmental damage to streams.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
San Antonio River Authority competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Harris County Flood Control District: Special-purpose district focused on flood control infrastructure, channel maintenance, and stormwater management in the Houston region. Comparable infrastructure-heavy mandate, though more single-purpose than SARA.
- San Jacinto River Authority: Texas river authority operating water supply, wastewater, and environmental programs in the San Jacinto basin. Similar governmental structure and combined utility/watershed mandate.
- Tarrant Regional Water District: Texas water district delivering raw water, wastewater service, and flood-related infrastructure in the DFW area. Overlaps SARA's utility-side functions at larger scale.
- Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority: Texas river authority providing watershed management, water quality monitoring, wastewater services, and recreation across a multi-county basin. Closest direct analog to SARA in mandate and service mix.
- Nueces River Authority: Texas river authority providing water quality monitoring, environmental services, and water resource planning in the Nueces basin. Comparable in scale and function to SARA.
- Brazos River Authority: Texas river authority managing reservoirs, water/wastewater services, and environmental monitoring across the Brazos basin. Comparable statutory structure and service portfolio to SARA.
- Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District: Neighboring river authority partnered with SARA on the Texas Clean Rivers Program. Smaller jurisdiction but directly comparable statutory role covering a sub-basin of the San Antonio River system.
- Trinity River Authority of Texas: Regional Texas river authority operating wastewater treatment plants, water quality monitoring, and reservoir/flood projects across the Trinity River basin — directly comparable scope and authority structure.
Broad incumbents
- Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA): Larger and longer-established Texas river authority providing water supply, wastewater, flood management, and power generation across the Lower Colorado basin. Overlapping capabilities but broader mandate and scale than SARA.
Regional players
- City of Austin Watershed Protection Department: Municipal department handling flood mitigation, water quality, and stream restoration in Austin — different governance level but overlapping technical capabilities in green infrastructure, stream restoration, and monitoring.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
San Antonio River Authority social profiles
Digital presenceSan Antonio River Authority compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
San Antonio River Authority financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
San Antonio River Authority leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
San Antonio River Authority funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
San Antonio River Authority M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about San Antonio River Authority
What does San Antonio River Authority do?
The San Antonio River Authority is a regional government authority that manages the 240-mile San Antonio River watershed across Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties in Texas. It delivers flood risk management through 40+ dams, the San Antonio River Flood Tunnel, and 200+ HALT real-time monitoring sensors; operates wastewater treatment plants and a NELAP-accredited regional environmental laboratory; implements green infrastructure, low impact development, and stream restoration projects; manages parks and trails; and provides household hazardous waste collection, debris removal, and environmental education services.
Is San Antonio River Authority a public or private company?
San Antonio River Authority is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was San Antonio River Authority founded?
San Antonio River Authority was founded in 1943. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is San Antonio River Authority based?
San Antonio River Authority is headquartered in San Antonio, United States, in the North America region.
How does San Antonio River Authority make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Property Tax Revenue is the primary driver. The others are wastewater Treatment Services, event and Park Services and grant Funding.
Who are San Antonio River Authority's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Harris County Flood Control District, San Jacinto River Authority, Tarrant Regional Water District, Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Nueces River Authority, Brazos River Authority, Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District and Trinity River Authority of Texas. Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is listed as a broad incumbent. City of Austin Watershed Protection Department is listed as a regional player.
Does San Antonio River Authority have an API?
No public API is recorded for San Antonio River Authority.
What industry is San Antonio River Authority in?
San Antonio River Authority's product category is Watershed Management and Environmental Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIAMAE, Water Resources Administration (Watersheds, Rivers, Groundwater), with a secondary code of EUANAEAI, Flood Control & Protection Infrastructure (Levees, Floodwalls, Gates, Pump Stations). Its NAICS code is 221320 and its SIC code is 4950.