Alarm Stage Drought Continues--Approaching Critical Drought Levels

Drought Status: Alarm

Current drought trigger levels:

• Barton Springs = 22 cfs (10-day avg, estimated*)
  
• Lovelady Well = 190.6 feet

Unless substantial rainfall occurs in the contributing watersheds, Critical Stage Drought may be declared as soon as the early November based on Barton Springs discharge. Data from the Lovelady well indicates that perhaps by Mid November it's Critical Stage threshold could be crossed.

The Climate Prediction Center (NOAA) has indicated that we are El Nino/La Nina neutral conditions, but that lingering La Nina atmospheric signals in the atmosphere may be contributing to our drier than normal conditions.

Alarm Stage Drought requires a reduction of 20% of normal monthly water usage by permit holders. Critical Stage drought will require a reduction of 30%. We further ask all who use groundwater to conserve water to help maintain water levels and springflow.

*USGS data is being revised and is not currently available since 10/15. The estimated value is based on the last reported data and known rates of springflow decline.