District News

Drought Update: November 2025

The District entered Stage 3 Exceptional Drought (previously known as Stage 4 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

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

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

“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 –

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,

District Declares Exceptional Drought for Second Time in History  

Photo of District staff measuring groundwater level at the Lovelady monitor well | July 2025 The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) has declared Stage 3 Exceptional Drought (formerly known as Stage IV Exceptional Drought),

Drought Update: August 2025

Last month was mild compared to recent Augusts, but it may be surprising to hear that temperatures still averaged 0.5 degrees above normal. Rainfall across the area was below average, and the lack of precipitation

Updates to District’s Drought Chart: Effective September 1, 2025

Pictured is the District’s new drought sign for Stage 2 Critical Drought, which will take effect September 1, 2025. The Board of Directors of the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District has approved updates to the

General Manager Tim Loftus Steps Down After Years of Service

Dr. Tim Loftus has stepped down as General Manager of the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, which took effect on August 8, 2025. Since he assumed the role in January 2022, he advanced the District’s

Drought Update: July 2025

RainfallCamp Mabry recorded 6.1 inches of rain in July, while Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) measured 3.1 inches, resulting in a combined average of 4.6 inches for the month. That’s 2.6 inches above the historical July