District nears first ever ‘Emergency Response Period’ drought declaration. Learn More >>

District News

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

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

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

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

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