Cooler mornings are a welcome reminder that we’re transitioning from the extreme heat of summer to enjoyable fall temperatures. If only such optimism translated to the state of our life-sustaining aquifers. As I write, the water level in our Lovelady well has forced a Stage III Critical Drought declaration and flow at Barton Springs is nearing its own Stage III threshold. Alas, the near-term forecast offers little reason to expect that rain is coming soon.
This is Texas, after all, and we’ve been here before. But for the District, this is something different. Now in our 28th consecutive month of drought, the District has neither been in drought for this long (since 1993) nor have we had so many people who depend on our aquifers for drinking water. A recent study reveals that about 93,000 people now rely on groundwater within our District territory. This figure is more than 50 percent greater than the previous estimate. These constituents are among half of all Texans that depend on groundwater.
So, what to do? We double down and recognize the value of water that goes well beyond our monthly bill. Outside, we replace water-thirsty plants with drought-tolerant plants. Drought provides us with the opportunity to create a regionally appropriate landscape so that we save the daily drink for ourselves and families.
Throughout our properties, we fix leaks! We can’t waste a drop of water because there is no water to waste! And we ensure that our fixtures and appliances make WaterSense, that they’re as efficient as possible with the jobs we need them to do.
The biggest burden caused by drought is borne, on one hand, by our exempt-well owners whose backyard well is their sole source of drinking water. Their concern for a well going dry is palpable. These constituents are depending on the District to manage groundwater for everyone in the community.
On the other hand, the largest amount of permitted volume is allocated to public water supply permittees. We’re here to support their conservation messaging and other needs where we can. Let’s do more with reuse of reclaimed water and rainwater harvesting for when it does rain. Let’s maintain infrastructure to minimize leakage, loss, and nonrevenue water. Water rates must also convey the true cost of providing drinking water service and the value of water that grows with increasing scarcity. In the meantime, our Board of Directors, staff, and I are doing what we can to make our groundwater ends meet. To that point, we hired a new Water Resource Data Analyst, Bri Moore. Bri will support us with additional analyses needed to empower us to serve you better. Stop by to say “hello.” We’d love to hear what conservation means to you.
Yours in conservation,
Tim
