District Nears First Ever ‘Stage 4 Emergency Response Period’ Declaration
Photo of a dry Sculpture Falls on Barton Creek. This is one of the many creeks in the area that, when flowing, provide recharge to the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. The Barton Springs–Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) warns well owners that groundwater conditions within the District are approaching historic low levels. If […]
Request for Statement of Interest and Qualifications: Groundwater Modeling Services
The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) is soliciting statements of interest and qualifications for assisting the District in submitting a grant application to the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) Groundwater Research, Science, and Data Collection Grant for Fiscal Year 2026. The grant application will propose to create a local numerical groundwater model that can simulate water levels, springflow, pumping, and groundwater flow. The area of interest of the model is all of Hays County […]
Drought Update: December 2025
2025 RecapWhile 2025 did not surpass Austin’s record for the hottest year, it still ranked among the city’s top five with an average temperature of 71.9°F. The hottest year on record remains 2024, with an average temperature of 72.7°F, followed by 2023 at 71.2°F. Total rainfall for the year measured 29.2 inches based on combined […]
Drought Update: November 2025
The District entered Stage 3 Exceptional Drought (previously known as Stage IV Exceptional Drought) on October 1, 2025—only the second time we’ve made such a declaration. Now, we are approaching the threshold for Stage 4 Emergency Response Period (ERP), which could be implemented in early 2026 if dry trends continue. These conditions reflect a combination […]
Well Owner Spotlight: City of Buda
A permittee of the District since we first began issuing permits in 1988, the City of Buda has established a reputation for thoughtful, long-term water management. Through investments in modern technology, proactive planning, and infrastructure designed for drought resilience, the City continues to safeguard local water resources while supporting a rapidly growing community. Smart Meters In […]
District Well Owners Win “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 Development Board announced that the Coxes are one of their 2025 Rain Catchers of the Year. They were the recipients […]
“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 the recharge zone, travels through the karst landscape beneath our feet, and ultimately emerges at Barton Springs. Read the full […]
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 2.5 inches of rain between Camp Mabry and ABIA –roughly 1.6 inches below the historical monthly average (Figure 1). Only […]
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 – far short of the usual 3.2 inches we expect in September (Figure 1). That 3-inch shortfall is especially important because […]
Charlie Flatten Hired as New General Manager of the District
The District is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlie Flatten as its new General Manager, effective October 13, 2025. A Hill Country native, Flatten brings a wealth of experience in groundwater policy, regional planning, and collaborative natural resource management. He and his family live on the Edwards Aquifer outcrop in the shaded headwaters of […]