2020 October Hydro Report


No matter what area agencies call their drought declaration, it’s obvious water levels and spring flows have declined to exceptionally low levels. In order to preserve groundwater availability, coordinated water conservation measures are essential.

Groundwater Drought Declarations

Agency Drought Stage Date Declared Details
Hays Trinity GCD Jacob’s Well GMZ – 20% Curtailment
Remaining GCD – 20% Curtailment
Oct. 2020 Board Order, 10/1/2020
Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer CD Stage II Alarm Drought (20% Curtailment or more) Oct. 2020 Press Release, 10/9/2020
Edwards Aquifer Authority San Antonio Pool – Stage I Restrictions (20% Curtailment) Oct. 2020 Press Release, 10/16/2020

 

With dry soils, even the six inches of rain in early September did little to boost groundwater storage for the long term.  The plants and soils absorbed much of the moisture, so the rain did little to generate runoff and recharge.  This late in the dry season, it will take several consecutive rains to wet the soils before sustained recharge can refill the aquifers.

The hottest part of the year has passed, and water use will begin to decline as outdoor watering decreases.  Even so, water conservation now will help extend water resources until enough rain events generate meaningful recharge.

The national water awareness day: “Imagine a Day Without Water” was October 21st.  It’s a timely reminder to use water wisely and take care of what we have through water quality protection and water conservation.  Take a moment to tune up your well and clean your pump house, fix pesky drips and leaks, dip your toes in the Blanco or stroll along Cypress Creek.  Be part of the collective solution to protect our shared water supply.