Based on low streamflows and declining water well levels, the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District has declared 20% drought curtailment district-wide and 30% curtailment inside the Jacobs Well Groundwater Management Zone.
The Groundwater Conservation District reports that wells are experiencing declining water levels due to lack of rain and increased landscape irrigation.
“It’s been a very dry spring,” said Linda Kaye Rogers, HTGCD Board Vice President “It is critical that we all conserve where we can by cutting back on outdoor usage.”
Curtailments are designed to help prolong groundwater availability for all users. Permittees are required to reduce usage to extend supplies until the area receives enough rainfall to sufficiently recharge the aquifer. Groundwater users—whether served by a water utility or well- - should reduce water use. The easiest way to make reductions is by limiting outdoor water use, according to the district.
District General Manager Charlie Flatten cautions users to Please limit unnecessary pumping to protect your pump from burning out.
As of April 1, 2022, Jacobs Well 10-day flow rate was 2.94 cubic feet per second triggering maximum pumping restrictions. Spring flow is the District’s trigger for drought curtailment in the JWGMZ because it is an indicator of groundwater storage within the zone. Average spring flow exceeding 6-CFS over a 10-day period will bring the JWGMZ out of drought curtailment.
As of May 1, both the Blanco and Pedernales River’s streamflow was below the drought trigger. Streamflow rate ac curately predicts aquifer storage. To move out of a drought stage, both rivers must flow 60 consecutive days above the drought trigger in order to give aquifers time to recharge.
The immediate rainfall forecast shows no major rain events in the near future. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts very little rainfall and higher than average temperatures through the rest of the summer.
The Texas Water Development Board recognizes that Hays County and much of the Texas Hill Country continues to experience growing drought conditions. Many residents and several utilities in the District are already under conservation restrictions. Please visit the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District website for more drought information and tips on conservation at home.
