Critical drought conditions in Hays County
The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District drought triggers have hit critical drought status, according to a report from the district on July 6.
Intense and prolonged heat, combined with a lack of springtime rains, has continued to dry up tanks, lawns, rivers and streams throughout central Texas — especially in western Hays County. The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District reports that district-wide, wells are experiencing sharply declining water levels. District and volunteer-citizen index wells are below levels seen last August, while district index wells in the northwestern quarter of the district are at their lowest levels on record.
“The full heat of summer came early. If hot and dry conditions persist through the month, the entire district should expect to move into emergency drought conditions by August.” said Holly Fults, HTGCD Board President. “It is critical that we all conserve where we can by eliminating as much outdoor use as possible.”
The critical drought stage will help prolong groundwater availability for all users. Groundwater users — whether served by a water utility or well — should reduce water use by 30%, HTGCD instructed. This is usually achieved by limiting outdoor water use.
Permittees are required to reduce pumping by 30% to extend supplies until the area receives enough rainfall to sufficiently recharge the aquifer. Additionally, anyone with a pond filled by a well should consider the extreme evaporative levels throughout summer and shut off automatic pumps until the community is out of drought conditions.
“May and June temperatures have broken heat records and our springtime rainy season was far below average,” said District General Manager Charlie Flatten. “What little rain fell was absorbed by thirsty plants long before it was able to recharge our aquifers.”
District drought triggers are based on river flow. Once both the Pedernales and Blanco Rivers sink into low flow status, the district declares a drought. The Blanco River at Wimberley is now below 10 cubic feet per second and the Pedernales River is currently at zero flow.
The immediate rainfall forecast shows no major rain events in the near future. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts very little rainfall and higher than average temperatures through the rest of the summer.
Visit the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District website for more drought information and conservation tips.