EAA returns to Stage 2 water rules for wells

The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) declared Stage 2 pumping reductions for aquifer users within the San Antonio Pool. It has been confirmed that the 10-day average at the J-17 index well in Bexar County dropped below the threshold of 650 feet. The stages of critical period for the San Antonio Pool are declared based on the continued decline of water levels at the J-17 index well and diminished springflow.

Thus far in 2018, due to changing aquifer conditions, the EAA’s Critical Period Management Plan has been in effect as follows:

• Stage 1 was in effect from May 20 - June 9;

• Stage 2 was in effect from June 10 - July 13; and

• Stage 1 returned and was in effect from July 14 - July 26.

As stated above, current conditions have triggered a return to Stage 2 Critical Period, which will remain in effect until the EAA’s general manager finds that critical period conditions are no longer warranted and issues a notice of expiration on the EAA website.

Stage 2 of the EAA drought plan requires Edwards groundwater permit holders in Atascosa, Bexar, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays and Medina counties to reduce their annual authorized pumping amount by 30 percent. The purpose of mandatory pumping reductions is to stabilize water levels and springflow until rainfall replenishes the aquifer.

Stage 2 reductions apply to all Edwards Aquifer groundwater permit holders authorized to pump more than three acrefeet annually. All affected permit holders must also report their pumping totals to the EAA on a monthly basis.

For more, call the EAA Critical Period Team at 866-931-3239 or visit the EAA website at www.edwardsaquifer.org.