Aquifer Update

Status: No Drought
Barton Springs: 75 cfs, very slow decline
Lovelady: 489 ft-msl and rising

On December 21 we had up to about 1 inch of rainfall that helped creeks increase in flows and result in some increased recharge. Although streams are quickly declining, the rainfall has helped to sustain the creek flow and recharge that we've enjoyed since September.

Our good aquifer levels are a bit unusual for the region. Other water resources have not benefited from the wet September and October like the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. For example, to our south the San Antonio segment of the Edwards Aquifer is in Stage 3 drought declaration. The highland lakes are only at ~38% capacity, and so Austin and the region depending on surface water are also under drought restrictions. West of the District, in Hays County, the Hays-Trinity GCD is under Alarm drought conditions. We have to be mindful that we can join drought status like these other agencies in a matter of months if dry conditions come back to our area. Let's hope the wet trend continues into the New Year.

Water Levels Continue to Rise

No Drought

Lovelady monitor well: 486.01 ft-msl

Barton Springs: Approx. 77 cfs 10-day average. 

Aquifer water levels continue to rise. The water level in the Lovelady monitor well has risen 10 feet in the last month. District staff are monitoring conditions closely. Below see an up-to-date hydrograph of Lovelady monitor well. 

Aquifer Levels Still Rising

Drought Status: Non-Drought
Lovelady Monitor Well: 484.78 ft-msl
Barton Springs: approx. 100 cfs 10-day average

Water level in the District's monitor well continues to rise after the storms in October brought record rains and flooding and good rainfall continued into November. Many of the major creeks, where the majority of recharge to the aquifer occurs, have experienced prolonged flow. According to the District rain gauge, rainfall in November reached 2.57 inches, just above the historic average of 2.5 inches.