Aquifer remains in Critical Stage, despite recent rains

KXAN-36 visited the office and interviewed John Dupnik about drought and what the District is doing to prevent low flows at Barton Springs.

Although the recent rainfall was helpful, it looks like May will have rainfall totals well below its historical average. This does not bode well for the aquifer given the looming hot and dry summer ahead of us.

Critical Drought Continues

Introducing our new "drought flag" to help increase drought awareness. The flag comes to us courtesy of our new Education and Outreach Team Leader Robin Gary.



Current Drought Status: Critical
Barton Springs Flow: 19.5 (10 day average)
Lovelady Well: 195.3 feet (depth to water)



The recent rains (average for March and April) have helped central Texas vegetation--the wildflowers are out and farmers are cutting hay. Accordingly, the US Drought Monitor downgraded the area from "exceptional" to "extreme" drought.



But don't let that lead you to believe the drought is over, the hydrologic drought has not improved--streams remain dry and aquifer levels and springflow continue to decline.

new Comprehensive Texas Drought Information website

click here to visit the site.

"The Drought Joint Information Center made up of state and federal agency public information officers from Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Water Development Board, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Texas Forest Service, Texas Animal Health Commission, Texas Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Transportation and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has created a comprehensive Texas drought information Web site. The Web site is divided into two distinct areas: "Resources on Drought" provides static and changing information on drought ranging from stream flow data and weather information to links provided by the participating agencies; and "News Updates/Situational Reports" features the latest items provided by the participating agencies. The center and its web site which operate at the discretion of the Governor’s Division of Emergency Management, provide a central clearing house of drought-related public information and education to help each of the participating agencies perform their designated public service roles. The center also provides timely and consistent drought-related news including historic and forecasted National Weather Service rainfall information, water updates from state water authorities, and agricultural drought damage assessment updates as provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Services Agency, state agricultural economists and other recognized experts. All information on the Web site is public information and is available for producers, industry groups, county officials, the media and anyone needing creditable, consistent Texas drought-related information. The Web site is divided into two distinct areas: "Resources on Drought" provides static and changing information on drought ranging from stream flow data and weather information to links provided by the participating agencies; and "News Updates/Situational Reports" features the latest items provided by the participating agencies."

from Brenner Brown, TWDB

The Drought is NOT over!

"People think just because we've had some rain that the drought is over," said Bob Rose, a meteorologist with the Lower Colorado River Authority. "Not even close."

quote from Bob Rose, LCRA meteorologist
Click here to link to Austin Statesman article.



Picture of Lake Travis at 61% of its capacity. Photo by Jay Janner American-Statesman

Edwards Aquifer Authority in San Antonio declares drought Stage I

On April 27, 2009 the Edwards Aquifer Authority (in San Antonio) declared drought Stage I restrictions, triggering a 20% reduction from users in the San Antonio area. The drought declaration was triggered when San Marcos springs dropped below it's threshold of 96 cubic feet per second (10-day average).

Click here to visit the EAA's website.