San Marcos 'can ban' goes into effect May 1

San Marcos 'can ban' goes into in May

If you're planning to be on the river in San Marcos this summer, be prepared with the right drink containers. In two weeks, the city's "can ban" will go into effect.

SAN MARCOS, Texas - On May 1, San Marcos' "can ban" will go into effect, meaning only reusable containers will be allowed on the river.

The City Council passed the ordinance in February.

"We're not the party police, we want you to come out and have a good, cost-effective, fun time with your family out here, we just want you to help us keep these parks clean, help keep the river pristine," Christie Murillo, marketing and outreach coordinator for San Marcos Parks and Recreation said.

Disposable containers, like aluminum cans and plastic cups, won't be allowed on the river or river boundary. That's a "no zone."

They will be allowed in spots not along the river, like at picnic tables. Those are "go zones."

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Each person can have a cooler of up to 30 quarts.

If people violate the ordinance, they'll be educated about the rules first. If they don't comply, they could get a citation ranging from $250-$500.

Kenny Munn and Steve Graley visit the river almost weekly from San Antonio.

"Year-round temperature, cleanliness of the water, and actually the attitude of most people here are fantastic," Graley said about what he enjoys about it.

They think the ordinance is a good idea and have even helped clean the river.

"I think it's wonderful, I really do, if only they'd figure out a way to control the people here, it'd be better," Munn said with a laugh.

"That can ban I think will be upsetting to some of the people, but it's going to be good for the environment," Graley said.