BSEACD Newsroom
Thank you for visiting the District’s newsroom page! Here you will find the latest press releases, videos, newsletters, and all BSEACD news.
Latest News
Barton Springs and Lovelady Level Check – Aug. 10, 2022
Perspective on the Current Drought – July 27, 2022
Principal Hydrogeologist Brian Smith gives some perspective on the current drought. Check out the video here. There have been a lot of comparisons to the drought of 2011. Brian has been with the District for more than 20 years and has seen his share of droughts. Currently the District remains in Alarm Drought (Stage II), but we are inching closer to Critical Drought (Stage III).
Visit learn more about the District’s drought stages here.
Also visit our frequently asked questions section on our drought information page here.
Drought Update/Well Monitoring – July 26, 2022
Drought Update – July 20, 2022
Drought Update July 20, 2022 Drought conditions in the Texas Hill Country continue to worsen as we have received an average of 11.4 inches – 6 inches behind annual average rainfall – from January through mid-July (Figure 1). Only the month of February recorded above average rainfall. Water levels in the Edwards began to decline on March 11. Trinity levels also began to decline in early April. Falling trends in both aquifers continue. |
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La Nina persists and has high probability to remain with us into Fall and early winter. This means that we are predicted to receive below average rainfall and above average heat through the summer and into the winter. May and June, which are historically the wettest months of the year in Central Texas, were both way below their historical monthly average (-2.8 & -2.7 respectively). In fact, both May and June 2022 clocked in as the warmest on record for Austin. On July 19, the Lovelady well (Figure 2) had a level of 470.2 ft msl, 8.2 ft below the trigger level for Stage 2 Drought. Lovelady crossed under its trigger on May 26. |
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On July 19, Barton Springs (Figure 3) was flowing at 29 cfs (10-day average), 9 cfs below the Stage 2 Drought trigger point of 38 cfs. Barton Springs crossed under the Stage 2 Drought trigger in late June. USGS and BSEACD staff continue to make discharge measurements to ensure accurate stage-discharge real-time reporting. |
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Aquifer science staff are closely monitoring ongoing drought conditions in both the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers. Historic hydrograph data (Figure 4) show that the 2022 drought began with aquifer levels in some portions of the Trinity already approaching historic lows. If drought conditions worsen in the coming months, levels could drop well below those historic lows. This has potential for widespread negative impacts to domestic and non-exempt wells, and reduction of Trinity spring flows in the Blanco River Basin. |
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As we lean into the hottest and driest months of the year, already in Stage 2 Alarm Drought, the District encourages continued conservation. Now is a great time to brush up and double down on water conservation measures. Check out this great list of water saving tips from The Texas Water Development Board. The District could declare Stage 3 Critical Drought in the coming weeks if conditions continue to worsen. |
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Meanwhile, the Texas Water Development Board’s latest Water Weekly report shows that months of below-average precipitation and above-average temperature have driven the area of the state impacted by drought to its largest value since July 2013 (Figure 5). A modest increase in drought next week will result in the largest extent of drought since January 2012. What can you do to conserve? Generally, restricting outdoor water use, including limiting landscape irrigation, pool filling and refilling, and non-essential water use such as water fountains, are easy ways to conserve water. It’s also best to only water your lawns once a week during the early morning hours. You can find more conservation tips for both indoor and outdoor conservation here. The District recommends that both exempt and permitted well owners follow these conservation tips. For additional information on groundwater wells, please take a look at the District’s Well Owner Guide. If you have questions about your well, please contact us at 512-282-8441. We encourage you to call or visit our office (1124 Regal Row, Austin, TX) during office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to review our groundwater management process, receive information about the drought, or if you need assistance with other groundwater related matters. Check out our newly created drought information page. We will frequently update this page. Other useful links: BSEACD is a groundwater conservation district charged by the Texas Legislature to preserve, conserve, and protect the aquifers and groundwater resources within its jurisdiction, which includes parts of three central Texas counties. It is governed by a Board of five elected directors and staffed with hydrogeologists, groundwater regulatory compliance specialists, environmental educators, geospatial systems specialists, and administrative support personnel. |
Drought Information Website Page
- District Drought Status
- Rainfall Hydrograph
- Edwards Aquifer Conditions (Barton Springs Segment)
- Trinity Aquifer Conditions
- Austin/San Antonio Drought Monitor
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Helpful Links
Community Meeting on Drought-Related Topics – August 6, 2022
Drought conditions have continued to worsen across Central Texas this summer as we deal with record breaking heat and abnormally dry conditions. So far, we have received below average rainfall every month this year except for February. May and June of 2022 were the warmest on record for Austin and July is looking to continue that streak. On June 9, 2022, the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District’s Board of Directors declared Stage II Alarm Drought at its regular Board Meeting. The District remains in Stage II Alarm Drought today, but if dry conditions persist, as expected, we could eventually move into Critical Drought (Stage III). With the drought worsening, we thought this would be a good time to hold a community meeting for constituents and permittees. District staff, including General Manager Tim Loftus, will provide information on our role as a conservation district, how our aquifers work, drought triggers, managing your well through drought, and more. Board Member Dan Pickens (Precinct 1) will also be on hand to facilitate the discussion and share his ideas for private-well management. Please join us!
Community Meeting
August 6, 2022
8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Rolling Oaks Clubhouse
1031 Lonesome Trail
Driftwood, Texas 78619
Useful links:
- Drought Information/Frequently Asked Questions: https://bseacd.org/regulatory/drought-information-resources/
- Drought Media Tool-Kit: https://bseacd.org/drought-edu/
- Press Release archive: http://bseacd.org/publications/press-releases/
- Drought Status page: http://bseacd.org/aquifer-science/drought-status/
- Drought Management page: http://bseacd.org/regulatory/drought-management/
For Immediate Release: June 9, 2022
For more information, contact: David Marino, Communications & Outreach Manager at (512) 282-8441 or dmarino@bseacd.org
On June 9, 2022, the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District’s Board of Directors declared Stage II Alarm Drought at its regular Board Meeting. The District’s drought triggers, Lovelady Monitor Well and Barton Springs, passed below their drought triggers in late May and early June respectively. Only one of the two drought stage triggers needs to be reached for a drought declaration to be made. However, to exit a drought stage, both Barton Springs and Lovelady must rise above their respective drought trigger values. This latter requirement keeps the District from making multiple declarations about drought over short periods of time.
The last groundwater drought declaration commenced on October 9, 2020, and ended on July 8, 2021. While the weather is getting warmer, strengthening La Niña (dry) conditions indicates it may be getting drier. So far, we have received below average rainfall every month this year except for February and above average heat. May 2022 was the warmest May on record for Austin. The average temperature in May was 82.3 degrees. That number was calculated by combining the high and low for each day.
Declaration of Stage II Alarm Drought requires all District permittees to implement mandatory measures specified in their User Drought Contingency Plans (UDCPs) to meet monthly pumpage reduction requirements.
- 20% for Edwards Historical and Conditional Class A permittees,
- 50% for Edwards Conditional Class B permittees,
- 100% for Edwards Conditional Class C and Class D permittees, and
- 20% for Trinity and Alluvial/Austin Chalk Historical permittees
End-user customers served by water utilities on groundwater wells are required to comply with their utility’s water use restrictions for this drought stage. Generally, restricting outdoor water use, including limiting landscape irrigation, pool filling and refilling, and non-essential water use such as water fountains, is sufficient to reach monthly pumpage targets for Stage II Alarm Drought. July is the first month that permittees will need to meet reductions in pumpage. Permittees should refer to the monthly drought allocations listed in their User Drought Conservation Plan (UDCP) and Drought Target Charts.
The District encourages continued conservation, with July and August often being the hottest and driest times of the year. In the summer months, outdoor water use is significantly higher and can account for 60% or more of home water use. Planting native or drought-tolerant landscapes, mulching, and using compost can substantially reduce the amount of irrigation water required to keep plants healthy.
Making sure your irrigation system is functioning at peak efficiency and replacing leaking gaskets and hoses can help conserve water. Installing a rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system can make an even bigger impact in reducing overall water use.
Useful links:
- Drought Media Tool-Kit: https://bseacd.org/drought-edu/
- Press Release archive: http://bseacd.org/publications/press-releases/
- Drought Status page: http://bseacd.org/aquifer-science/drought-status/
- Drought Management page: http://bseacd.org/regulatory/drought-management/

Regulatory Compliance Specialist Job Posting
Employment Opportunity
POSITION: Regulatory Compliance Specialist
COMPENSATION: $52,000 – $59,000 annual (commensurate with experience)
BENEFITS: Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, retirement plan, and paid leave
POSTING DATE: June 7, 2022
CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled
JOB SUMMARY
Under supervision and direction from the Regulatory Compliance Manager, the Regulatory Compliance Specialist is responsible for regulatory tasks primarily relating to the review and processing of permit applications, interpreting District Rules and well construction standards, and providing technical guidance and oversight on permitting and drilling activities. This position also supports the other regulatory team tasks and activities including drought management, compliance enforcement, and rulemaking. The person in this position reports directly to the Regulatory Compliance Manager and administratively to the General Manager. The “Essential Functions” enumerated in the job posting below will be learned via on-the-job training provided to the new hire by District staff.
Download full Regulatory Compliance Specialist Position Announcement
TO APPLY:
The District is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified and interested candidates should submit a complete application package including a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references. Please submit your application package to dmarino@bseacd.org with “RC Specialist application” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin June 27, 2022, and the position will remain open until filled.
***Incomplete posts will not be considered.***
Water Conservation Period – May – September
Currently the District is not in drought, but that could change in the coming weeks if our dry conditions persist. With that being said, the District’s Water Conservation Period began Sunday, May 1 and extends through the end of September–the time when water use is at its peak. Starting on May 1, the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation initiates a 10% reduction in groundwater pumping by its permittees.
In the summer months, outdoor water use is significantly higher and can account for 60% or more of home water use. Planting native or drought-tolerant landscapes, mulching, and using compost can substantially reduce the amount of irrigation water required to keep plants healthy. Making sure your irrigation system is functioning at peak efficiency and replacing leaking gaskets and hoses can help conserve water. Installing a rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system can make an even bigger impact in reducing overall water use.
Visit our website for ideas on how to conserve water: https://bseacd.org/education/water-conservation/
What is an Aquifer Test?
What is an Aquifer Test? – VIDEO
What is an Aquifer Test?
An aquifer test is a controlled field experiment made to determine the hydraulic properties of water-bearing and associated rocks. At the BSEACD, we focus these tests on the Edwards and Trinity aquifers.
One type of Aquifer Test is a pumping test, which involves pumping water from a well over a set period of time and at a known rate. Researchers then observe groundwater flow that is produced as a result. Groundwater flow varies in space and time and is dependent on the hydraulic properties of the rocks and faults in the groundwater system.
Why are Aquifer Pumping Tests Important?
The goal of an Aquifer Pumping Test is to estimate hydraulic properties of an aquifer system like how fast is water moving through the aquifer, the ability of water to pass through an aquifer’s pore space and an aquifer’s ability to store water. The hydrogeologic studies that accompany them provide essential baseline information for water-resource management for both the BSEACD and the permittee well owner.
This includes:
- Local geology, aquifer conditions and water quality
- Construction and location of the new well
- Target production zone (specific aquifer) of the well
- Water level drawdown attributed to pumping from the new well over time and distance
- Water level drawdown attributed to pumping from existing existing and future area wells
- Water level drawdown attributed to drought conditions
The BSEACD Aquifer Science Team evaluates this essential information to determine whether there is potential for unreasonable impacts like:
- Well interference – Could a new well interfere with a neighboring well or vice versa?
- Impacts to regional water resources – undesired short or long-term impacts to resources including springs and creeks.
- Changes in water quality – document any changes due to pumping
Who needs an Aquifer Pumping Test?
Well owners who are seeking to export groundwater outside of District boundaries or permit a new well with an annual pumpage volume of more than 2 million gallons are required to conduct an aquifer pumping test and submit a Hydrological Report.
BSEACD requires these analyses to better understand our aquifer resources from a scientific point of view, but to also protect current and future well owners, recreational water users (swimmers at Barton Springs and Jacobs Well) and regional species and habitats that rely on aquifer resources.
For more information on District guidelines on Aquifer Testing visit: https://bseacd.org/uploads/HydroRepGuidelines_Final_2016.pdf
Edwards Aquifer Signs
WHAT’S IN A SIGN? You’ve probably seen those Edwards Aquifer signs as you’re driving around Austin. But what do they mean and why should you care? Principal Hydrogeologist Brian Smith explains how recharge works and why we all need to do our part to protect the Edwards Aquifer.
Watch video here: Edwards Aquifer Signs VIDEO
District Newsletter
Check out the District’s latest newsletter. Click on image below.
Read more newsletters in our Newsletter Archive.
Sign up for the District Newsletter.
Videos
Role of BSEACD
Regulatory
Aquifer Science
Employee Recognition
Special Days of the Year
To watch more videos please visit our YouTube page.
Social Media
Drought Conditions
Click the image below for the latest drought status. Here you will find the current stage of drought based on values from Barton Springs and Lovelady monitor well, the District’s two drought trigger sites.
Drought Resources/Media Kit
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View the Aquifer District Declares Stage II Alarm Drought Press Release – June 9, 2022
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View the Drought Monitor Blog
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BSEACD Drought Trigger Methodology: Barton Springs Report (2013), and Middle Trinity Methodology Memo (2018)
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Texas Drought Monitor
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NOAA La Nina Info
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View the Drought Media Tool-Kit (Water Conservation Period)
Downloadable Flyers & Graphics:
Stage 2 – PDF – 18 x 24
Stage 2 -PDF
Twitter Graphic
Facebook Graphic
Facebook Graphic #2
BSEACD Board Meetings
The next Board meeting will be on Thursday, August 11, 2022.
For a look at past agendas, please visit our Agendas & Backup page.
Contact Us
For media inquiries or questions, please contact Communications & Outreach Manager David Marino at dmarino@bseacd.org or at 512-282-8441 Ext. 120.