About the District

The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (the District) was founded in 1987 by the Texas legislature. As a groundwater conservation district, we’re a local entity authorized by the state to work with well owners to protect aquifers and manage the use of groundwater throughout our territory.  

Drought Status

The District has declared Stage 3 Exceptional Drought, effective October 1, 2025. We have been in various levels of drought since July 2022. The District’s drought status is based on two determinants: Barton Springs flow and Lovelady monitor well groundwater levels, as seen on the right. With Texas Hill Country aquifers at severe lows, it’s essential for all community members in the District to meet their groundwater restrictions and continue to conserve this precious resource. 

District Drought Chart
District Drought Chart
14.4 cfs
10-day avg
455.4 msl
10-day avg
Last Updated: 11/19/25

Next Board Meeting

Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 4pm

The next meeting is a Regular Board Meeting, which is held on the second Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted. This meeting will take place at the District’s office, located at 1124 Regal Row, Austin, TX 78748. Please note this meeting will begin at 4pm. Board Meetings will also be accessible virtually via Microsoft Teams.

What's New at the District

Drought updates, aquifer studies, upcoming events, and more

District Well Owner Wins “Rain Catcher of the Year”

You may remember our first Well Owner Spotlight article highlighting the impressive water conservation efforts of Victoria and Travis Cox in Driftwood, Texas. Now they’ve received well earned recognition from the state. The Texas Water

“Tracing a Raindrop Through Barton Springs” by Texas Highways

This article explores the deep connection between Barton Springs and the waters that sustain it, highlighting the spring’s significance to both the community and local wildlife. Follow the journey of water as it falls onto

Drought Update: October 2025

RainfallOctober felt more like summer than fall, tying 1931 as the second warmest October on record with an average temperature of 77°F. Although October is typically Austin’s second-wettest month (after May), it brought only about

Drought Update: September 2025

RainfallSeptember was extremely dry in Central Texas. Camp Mabry picked up only 0.08 inches of rain, and Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) saw just 0.18 inches. On average, that’s only 0.13 inches across the area –