Exceptional Drought Declared for Barton Springs Aquifer, Restrictions Start Oct. 1

The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District announced "Exceptional Drought," impacting groundwater pumping for approximately 100,000 residents in South Austin. 

The announcement, which marks an important day in the district's history, will come into effect on October 1, 2025. Groundwater usage is set to decrease significantly, potentially reaching a complete halt, which will affect local well owners, utilities, and municipalities like Buda and Kyle.

"Each gallon conserved contributes to the protection of our communal water resources, along with the renowned springs, creeks, and rivers in the region," stated Shay Hlavaty, the district's communications and outreach manager. "Everyone has a part to contribute in safeguarding this vital resource as we confront one of the most severe droughts the region has ever experienced."

The aquifer that supplies Barton Springs has faced 39 straight months of dry conditions. This is the second occasion in 38 years that the district has announced such a critical drought situation. The initial occurrence took place in December 2023.

A significant decline in the Lovelady monitor well in South Austin, a crucial indicator for the area, led to the drought declaration. As of September 11, the well's 10-day average measured 457 feet above sea level, notably falling short of the "exceptional" threshold and over 30 feet beneath the long-term average of 490.9 feet. Notable reductions have been recorded in wells across the Edwards and Trinity aquifers.

Between March and September, the region usually sees an accumulation of 22.2 inches of precipitation. This year, rainfall reached only 17.1 inches, falling short by nearly five inches. 

The district has announced that the area has experienced a significant deficit of around 31.2 inches of rain since January 2022. Officials caution that replenishing aquifer levels will necessitate consistent and extensive rainfall.

In response to the ongoing drought, district officials are calling on residents to take action by conserving water. They recommend restricting usage to necessary indoor activities and suspending outdoor watering altogether. They advised on conservation, including watering lawns early in the morning, repairing leaks, utilizing mulch and drought-resistant plants, collecting rainwater, and reducing shower time.

"Residents are encouraged to reach out to their water utility for clarification on how these restrictions are relevant to their specific area," Hlavaty emphasized. 

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