May reminded me of two things: 1) it’s that time to accept summer heat, and 2) few things are as right as rain. Rainstorms, of course, threaten with hail, wind, and flooding. Beggars can’t be choosers, as they say, and I’m afraid beggars, we are. The cumulative rain deficit in Austin since January 2022 and through May now stands at 25 to 28 inches. The cumulative rain deficit in San Antonio, according to the Edwards Aquifer Authority, has grown to 65 inches since drought to the south of us began in 2019. Meanwhile, District staff and our Board of Directors are managing as thoughtfully as possible while closely monitoring the situation.
In other news, we continue to enhance the District’s database that now features a new public-facing Interactive Data Map. The interactive map is accessible from our website’s homepage. The map features a good deal of information on the wells and aquifers within our territory. Check it out, it’s pretty cool.
On the science front, we’re moving forward with Phase 2 of our in-house, Trinity Aquifer Sustainability (TAS) model. We’ve also recently determined the best approach and geography to use for applying new statistical models to explain the relationship between precipitation and flow at Barton Springs. Using outside resources, we’re studying the Lower Trinity Aquifer to enhance our understanding and to help with making production-permit decisions in the near future. Other questions are being explored too.
As a member of Groundwater Management Area (GMA) 10, we await the Texas Water Development Board’s release of model files for the new Southern Trinity Groundwater Availability Model (GAM). If model files are released by late summer, we’ll revisit our Trinity Aquifer Desired Future Condition (DFC) and learn if the DFC can be enhanced in this current five-year planning cycle. As for the Lower Colorado Regional Water Planning Group – Region K – three public hearings were recently conducted on the 2026 Initially Prepared Plan (IPP). Of interest, the IPP estimates greater water demands in Travis and Hays counties than the 2021 Region K plan estimated for same 2070 planning horizon. Overall source availability and water supply are estimated in the IPP to be less for both the 2030 and 2070 planning horizons as compared to the same estimates made in the previous regional plan. We have unmet needs that are estimated to grow over time. The plan’s strategies aim to meet those needs but groundwater has its limits even with Mother Nature’s help. Let’s enjoy summertime!
