2018 Aquifer Status Recap

No Drought (Board declared on 10/11/18)
Lovelady well height: 504 ft-msl (150 ft-Depth to Water)
Barton Springs: approximately 97 cfs 10-day average

2018 began with a status of No Drought, following a trend which began back in September 2014, when water levels began to rise after above-average rainfall. Steady recharge throughout 2015 and 2016 continued to increase aquifer water levels as well as Barton Springs flow. In January 2015, the Board updated the drought status from Stage II Alarm Drought to No Drought. After two consecutive years of average rainfall in 2017 and 2018, water levels and Barton Springs flow fell below their respective Drought thresholds. On July 12th, 2018, the District Board declared Stage II Alarm Drought, ending a 3-year and 6-month No Drought status.

Measurements began to decline in April 2017 and eventually crossed below drought warning levels in July 2018. Then an average of 12 inches of rain in September and October 2018 produced much needed recharge, resulting in rising aquifer levels. They rose above the Stage II Alarm Drought threshold in early October and the Board declared No-Drought at the October 11th, 2018, Board Meeting.

Austin has received and overall 32” of rainfall as of December 14th 2018, producing significant recharge for local aquifers. While levels continue to climb from additional rainfall, much more recharge is needed to bolster against another decline a the the Lovelady Monitor Well.

Official forecasts favor the formation of a weak El Niño in the Pacific, which is likely to result in wet conditions through the winter and into Spring 2019.

Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year from the BSEACD!