AUSTIN, Texas — For the first time in its 36-year history, a water conservation group is declaring an exceptional drought in the Austin area.
Despite recent rain, the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD), which oversees some of our most beloved waterways, declared a Stage IV Exception Drought late Thursday.
Officials said one of its monitor wells in South Austin hit a new low, meaning well owners and water service providers across the area will need to reduce their use by at least 30%.
The Barton Springs area of the Edwards Aquifer is a drinking water source for about 60,000 people between South Austin and Kyle. The district said it's been in Stage III drought conditions since October 2022.
"The only way for groundwater resources to recover and end these drought conditions is a long period of widespread and significant rainfall ... Until this occurs, community members in and outside of the district can do their part by actively conserving water resources."