The EAA weather station near Burnett Ranches measured 1 inch of rain at the end of November. With dry conditions, the rainfall was absorbed by exceptionally dry soils. Even the six inches of rain in early September did little to boost groundwater storage for the long term. 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.
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.
Groundwater Drought Declarations
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.
| Agency | Drought Stage | Date Declared | Details |
| Hays Trinity GCD | Jacob’s Well GMZ – 30% Curtailment Remaining GCD – 20% Curtailment |
Nov. 2020 | Board Order, 11/1/2020 |
| Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer CD | Stage II Alarm Drought (20% Curtailment or more) | Oct. 2020 | Press Release, 10/9/2020 |
| Edwards Aquifer Authority | No Drought | Dec. 2020 | Press Release, 12/02/2020 |
For links, monitoring site information, and list of archived Hydro Reports, visit our Water Monitoring page.