Update to the BSEACD Compilation of Pumping Tests in Travis and Hays County, Central Texas
This update supersedes BSEACD Data Series Report 2010-0701, Compilation of Pumping Tests in Travis and Hays Counties, Central Texas, which compiled 95 tests conducted through July 2010. Adding the tests reported since and holding to that report’s Travis and Hays County scope, the compilation now covers 142 tests spanning test years 1961 through 2024: 44 […]
More Than Water: The Significance of Local Springs for the Coahuiltecan People
For many, the springs of Central Texas are more than swimming holes. Places like Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, San Pedro Springs, and Comal Springs live in memory, ritual, and identity. Hydrogeologists dedicate their careers to protecting the local aquifers, whose waters feed millions of gallons through these springs each day. Year-round swimmers cut through […]
Well Owner Spotlight: Hank Miller
Choosing Rainwater Harvesting For most Texans, a private water well is a badge of independence. For Hank Miller, his well became the reason he stopped using groundwater almost entirely. Hank and his wife, Eva Reed, have lived in the River Mountain Ranch neighborhood since 2014 after moving from Mason County. Their home sits within the District’s boundaries and has a 600 to 700 feet deep well that sits within the Cow Creek formation of the Trinity Aquifer. According to […]
Drought Update: May 2026
A Trinity Aquifer spring along Hamilton Creek in Travis County. District’s Current Drought Status: Stage 3 Exceptional Drought Rainfall RecapTotal May rainfall averaged approximately 6.3 inches across the Camp Mabry and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) weather stations—about 1.2 inches above the long-term monthly average (Figure 1). This marks the second consecutive month of above-average rainfall […]
Drought Update: April 2026
Rainy photo of Onion Creek under Old San Antonio Road | April 2026District’s Current Drought Status: Stage 3 Exceptional Drought While April’s overall temperature was above average, it was also our first month with above average rainfall since July of 2025. April was 3.1°F hotter than normal and brought four days with a high of 90°F or above. April is normally our 10th wettest month, and this year it brought almost as much rain as our wettest month (May). This […]
Drought Update: March 2026
Photo of a dry Barton Creek | February 2026 District’s Current Drought Status: Stage 3 Exceptional Drought After delivering the warmest February on record, 2026 has now produced a record-breaking March as well. The month concluded with an average temperature of 70.8°F, which is nearly two degrees higher than the previous record set in 1907 when March averaged 68.9°F. Rainfall was […]
Well Owner Spotlight: Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation
Tim Young, General Manager of Operations at PGMS, beside a smart meter in the Ruby Ranch neighborhood. It might be surprising to hear Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation (Ruby Ranch WSC) had overpumping penalties with the District just over a year ago. Now, we’re featuring them as a shining example of water conservation in our […]
Rainwater Harvesting: A Viable Alternative Water Option
One household’s journey of transitioning to 100% rainwater harvesting.__________ Want to learn more about rainwater harvesting? Join us for ‘Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting Event’ on Tuesday, April 28 1:00-2:30pm at Dripping Springs Presbyterian. You’ll hear from experts about the basics and benefits of having a system of your own. Learn more and register for free […]
Drought Update: February 2026
Photo of Onion Creek under Old San Antonio Road | February 2026 District’s Current Drought Status: Stage 3 Exceptional Drought This February felt more like late spring than winter. KXAN reported, “There were 23 days in the month where the high temperature was above normal, topped by 88°F on the 28th. Only three days were below normal […]
Drought Update: January 2026
Photo of a dry Barton Creek | January 2025 District’s Current Drought Status: Stage 3 Exceptional Drought January delivered a true weather roller coaster. The month opened with three record-high temperatures in the first week, only to swing in the opposite direction by the end of the month. During the final week, an Arctic cold […]