Southwest Austin - Dripping Springs Edition | April 2025

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Southwest Austin Dripping Springs Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 1 APRIL 29MAY 27, 2025

Dry conditions persist

Travis County

Hays County

Lack of recent rainfall impacting Austin-area swimming holes

Persistent drought impacting Dripping Springs businesses, agriculture

Page 18

Page 20

Also in this issue

Education Page 17 Learn why Austin ISD is considering school consolidations

Drought can lead to issues with providing feed for cattle, causing the need to reduce herd size, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. ELISABETH JIMENEZCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Community

Page 22

Discover a local guide to spring cleaning this season

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN - DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

LEARN ABOUT AUSTIN’S Water Quality We’re Continuously Sampling and Testing

Austin Water collects and tests samples at our treatment plants and across our water system multiple times a day, every day, for bacteria, and chemicals that could pose a risk to our customers. Our top priority is to ensure our water is safe and satisfying to drink. We have taken steps to protect drinking water safety and quality in key areas that include: 6 Protecting Vital Infrastructure 6 Enhancing Treatment Reliability 6 Ensuring Quality Control in Storage, Pressure and Pipes 6 Increasing Treated Drinking Water Testing An expanded snapshot of our rigorous quality controls is posted on our website as well as in our annual Drinking Water Quality Report. Find the 2024 Consumer Confidence Report online at the link below , or call 512-972-0155 to receive a copy by email or mail. Austin Water’s annual consumer confidence report describes the overall quality of water from its raw collection and storage to the treated purity at your tap. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all drinking water suppliers provide a water quality report to their customers on an annual basis.

Austin Water Quality Report 2024 AUSTINWATER.ORG/WATERQUALITY Para una versión en Español llame al 512-972-0155.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Jacquelyn Burrer Dacia Garcia Sarah Hernandez Elisabeth Jimenez Anna Maness Haley McLeod Jamie Moore Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Gracie Warhurst Chloe Young Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Karoline Pfeil Sam Schaer

Travis Baker Austin Market President tbaker@ communityimpact.com

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

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Impacts Southwest Austin

183 2 Strider Reclaimed Goods Located within Peach Tree Office Park in Oak Hill, the new vintage shop sells curated vintage and modern clothing, art and furniture. Owners Jackie and Caleb Goodaker-Craig source from private collectors, thrift stores, yard sales and online. • Opened March 1 • 7500 Hwy. 71, Ste. 108, Austin • Instagram: strider.atx 3 Home2 Suites The new hotel is located near Southpark Meadows and offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly rooms, an outdoor pool, a free breakfast buffet and a fitness center. • Opened March 21 • 8415 S. Congress Ave., Austin • www.hilton.com/en/brands/home2-suites 4 Ceramigos Owner Florence Guiraud has transformed an old Carter’s Automotive shop on South Congress Avenue into a pottery studio and gallery space. Ceramigos has three resident artists and offers pottery classes for all 5 Dutch Bros Oregon-based coffee chain Dutch Bros opened near I-35 and Slaughter Lane in April. The menu includes specialty coffee, smoothies, teas, energy drinks and more. • Opened April 12 • 9301 S. I-35 frontage road, Bldg. 1, Austin • www.dutchbros.com 6 Chuy’s The Austin-based Tex-Mex chain’s new South Austin location is open in the Oaks at Slaughter shopping center. Chuy’s offers tacos, fajitas and signature items like the Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas and “Big As Yo’ Face” Burritos. • Opened April 22 • 126 E. Ralph Ablanedo Drive, Austin • www.chuys.com experience levels. • Opened April 5 • 4930 S. Congress Ave., Ste. C-301, Austin • www.ceramigos-austin.com

BARTON CREEK BLVD.

360

MOPAC

S. CAPITAL OF TEXAS HWY.

290

1826

E. ST. ELMO RD.

RALPH ABLANEDO DR.

MOPAC

1626

MAP NOT TO SCALE

for women. Okimura Knight said the studio was created to provide a private, empowering space for women without the intimidation of a traditional gym setting. • Opened in early January • 310 E. St. Elmo Road, Unit B, Austin • www.axiom-fs.com

Now open

1 Axiom Fitness Studio Trainer Jessica Okimura Knight has opened a new fitness studio offering one-on-one private personal training

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ & ELISABETH JIMENEZ

7 Tso Chinese Austin-based Chinese delivery and takeout service is open near the corner of Slaughter Lane and Menchaca Road. The location delivers to the surrounding neighborhoods. • Opened April 18 • 1824 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. 100, Austin • www.tsochinese.com

• Opening in late summer • 3601 Davis Lane, Austin • www.thebackninegolf.com/southwestaustintx 12 Barnes & Noble A Barnes & Noble bookstore will open within the Southpark Meadows shopping center this fall. The new store will be modeled after the company’s most recent opening designs, with bookcases arranged in rooms, and have a Barnes & Noble Café. The national bookstore chain has four Austin locations, including one in South Austin’s Sunset Valley Village shopping center. • Opening in October • 9600 S I-35 frontage road, Bldg. 4, Austin • www.barnesandnoble.com 13 Crunch Fitness A new 45,000-square-foot 24-hour gym will take over the former Conn’s HomePlus suite. • Opening this fall • 9900 S. I-35 frontage road, Austin • www.crunch.com/locations/south-park-meadows

Now open

Coming soon

8 One Bite Dumpling The new restaurant, owned by Tony Chen, will serve freshly made dumplings, noodle soups, stir-fries, dim sum and more in what was previously Hao-Hao Restaurant. • Opening in May • 1901 W. William Cannon Drive, Ste. 115, Austin, • www.onebitedumplingtx.com 9 DeSano Pizza The Nashville-based Neapolitan pizza joint will open next to the AT&T Store in the Circle C Ranch neighborhood. DeSano Pizza has two other Austin locations serving pizza, calzones and salads. • Opening in August • 5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin • www.desanopizza.com 10 Melt Well Sauna & Plunge Studio Owned by Allison DeWitt, Melt Well Sauna & Plunge Studio will open in the Sunset Valley Marketfair shopping center and offer private infrared sauna and cold plunge sessions. This will be the first franchise of Melt Well’s original location in New Orleans. • Opening in late summer • 5400 Brodie Lane, Ste. 250, Austin • www.melt-well.com/austin 11 The Back Nine Golf A new location of The Back Nine Golf, a national franchise, will offer 24/7 member access to play on its golf simulators, which feature over 250 golf courses. The South Austin franchise is owned by David Mann, who also owns Driftwood Axe House & Bar with his wife, Orit Mann.

16 Miniso The national chain opened a new spot next to Abercrombie & Fitch at Barton Creek Square Mall this spring. The store offers household and consumer products, such as cosmetics, stationery, toys, kitchenware and more. • Opened in March • 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin • www.miniso.com

In the news

14 Manchaca Village Veterinary Care The South Austin veterinarian is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The practice opened in 1975 as a clinic serving large animals in a rural community. • 12117 Menchaca Road, Austin • www.manchacavet.com 15 Slaughter Lane Chiropractic The chiropractic clinic will celebrate its 30th anniversary in May. Dr. David Wagner and his wife, Jennifer Wagner, own the clinic, and their son, Dr. Leon Wagner, is an additional provider in the practice. According to Jennifer Wagner, their youngest son will also join the clinic team soon. • 3107 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin • www.slc-chiro.com Thundercloud Subs Austin-grown Thundercloud Subs celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. The business was founded in 1975

by Andy Cotton and John Meddaugh. • Locations vary • www.thundercloud.com

Chili’s Chili’s celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. The restaurant’s menu features American and Tex-Mex cuisine, including burgers, chicken, fajitas, pasta and seafood. The franchise was founded in Dallas in March 1975 and has now expanded to over 1,600 locations in 28 counties.

• Locations vary • www.chilis.com

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Impacts

Dripping Springs

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

FITZHUGH RD. is now oering wines, craft beers and more. • Opened March 28 • 501 Old Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs • www.winehouseatx.com

BELL SPRINGS RD.

Now open

CANYONWOOD DR.

OLD FITZHUGH RD.

290

HEADWATERS BLVD.

Coming soon

290

MERCER ST.

164 3 Dripping Springs Sports Club Founded by Drew Rose, the new sports club is coming to the Sunset Canyon and Headwaters neighborhoods, currently set to open in 2027. Spanning over 200,000 square feet, the club will include various sports and recreational spaces. • Opening in 2027 • Hwy. 290 between Canyonwood Drive and Headwaters Boulevard • www.drippingsportsclub.com 1826

Now open

5 Nectarine The cafe and bakehouse focuses on meals that are gluten-free, organic and seed-oil-free. Nectarine also serves local produce from farms and businesses in Texas. The menu includes smoothies, acai bowls, baked goods, coee and more. • Opened in January • 2001 Hwy. 290, Ste. 116, Dripping Springs • www.lovenectarine.com

1 Noble Tutoring and Prep The tutoring center opened a second location oering a variety of academic services for students. • Opened in March • 800 Hwy. 290, Bldg. C, Ste. 300, Dripping Springs • www.nobletutoring.com 2 Winehouse Owned by Kristine Clark and former proprietors of Epicure Jerry Gray and Julio Llop, the wine shop and tasting room

Expansions

4 Service Dogs Inc. The 37-year-old service dog provider, founded by Sheri Soltes, opened its newest kennel in March, expanding its adopting and training services. • Opened in March • 4925 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs • www.servicedogs.org

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Government

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ, HALEY MCLEOD & BEN THOMPSON

Austin sex crime reforms ongoing after in-depth case review An inaugural review of Austin sex crimes cases is leading to several improvements to police investigations. What happened The analysis conducted by nonprot End Violence Against Women International followed extensive scrutiny of APD’s mishandling of sex crimes and a nearly $900,000 legal settlement with survivors. Austin Police Department leaders said the review of dozens of cases handled from 2021-22 is a rst in the city, and nationwide, meant to improve police work including interactions with victims. Similar processes and public reporting will now take place annually. “We hope our proactive approach and ongoing eorts to improve the experience and outcome for sexual assault survivors will serve as an example to other units and agencies throughout the nation,” Police Chief Lisa Davis wrote in March. The approach A recent audit of APD’s sexual assault responses called for the case analyses, alongside dozens of other updates. City ocials boosted funding for APD responses and victim services in 2023 including $100,000 for the rst case review. EVAWI credited aspects of APD’s investigations based on “unprecedented” access to case les, and proposed revisions to training, documentation, data collection and communications. Hanna Senko—a plainti the city settled with

Public defenders seeking higher pay Members of the Travis County Public Defender’s Oce told county commission- ers that their initial Counsel at First Appear- ance, or CAFA, investment isn’t enough as sta pay is lower than similar positions in Central Texas and statewide. What happened CAFA—representation post-arrest and during bail-setting regardless of ability to pay—has moved through stops and starts in recent years. County ocials earmarked $15.5 million to expand the program this scal year, funding dozens of new positions. Legal sta packed a late March commis- sioners court meeting to voice concerns over aspects of CAFA’s recent implementation, with public defense advocates said pay dynamics devalue their work. Georey Burkhart, county executive for Community Legal Services, said his oce could use funding from unlled positions to raise salaries and address pay disparities.

Road to reform The Austin Police Department’s work with sex crimes cases has been under city and third-party scrutiny for years.

2019

Jan. 2019: Audit nds Austin police improperly closed rape cases, City Council calls for third-party police review

2020

Jan. 2024: City ocials publicly apologize for mishandling cases Sept. 2023: Council funds case review, Sex Crimes Unit audit Early 2023: Collective Sex Crimes Response Model project launches to oversee reforms Nov. 2022: Third-party evaluation recommends more than 100 changes for sex crime investigations Jan. 2022: Council approves $875,000 settlement with sexual assault survivors with improvement plan

2022

2023

2024

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

who’s now helping to oversee local reforms—noted the signicant of the changes for victims. “For any sexual assault survivor, going through the process of reporting can be dicult regardless of how much implementation that we put in place for improvement,” she said. “It’s things like this case review that’s going to ensure that that can occur for every survivor that comes forward, and continue to improve year over year.”

“The future of indigent defense in Travis County is kneecapped when we cannot retain and develop great attorneys.” AMALIA BECKNER, TRAVIS COUNTY PUBLIC DEFENDER

Hays County ends Austin Pets Alive! Partnership for pet resource center Hays County will no longer partner with Austin Pets Alive to manage its Pet Resource, Education and Research Center, or PRC. The details APA served as PRC project coordinator since the county agreement, which APA ocials refuted. Judge Ruben Becerra said the county failed APA in providing the organization adequate support for the PRC initiative. The big picture shelter will only operate locally. What’s next

Commissioner Morgan Hammer said she’d still like to work with APA in some capacity, but the contract had to be terminated rst. APA ocials said they do not know if a future contract is guaranteed. The APA and Hays County contract will expire April 26. Becerra said the county will now focus on “prioritizing shelter construction.”

2023. The center’s local eld oce was set to open in March, but that update is now uncertain after the APA contract was terminated March 25. Commissioner Walt Smith said he was con- cerned about APA meeting deliverables outlined in

APA began partnering with Hays County after a feasibility study found a centrally located resource center would alleviate overcrowding at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter. However, a new agreement between the city and county means the

SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Government

BY BEN THOMPSON

The city of Austin could face budget decits of tens of millions of dollars over the next ve years, while residents are likely to face rising taxes and other charges. New information shared ahead of the summer budgeting process projects annual budget gaps growing to $80 million by scal year 2029-30. A decit of $6 million in the current scal year is already anticipated thanks to lower-than- expected sales and alcoholic beverage tax collections. The forecast was based on a slowdown in local job creation and new development, the end of federal stimulus money, and other factors like ination and signs of an economic slowdown, according to city nance sta. Another near-term impact is a likely dip in total property values across Austin, based on preliminary reporting from the Travis Central Appraisal District. A record number of appraisals are also being protested and property value growth is slowing, city sta said, leading to tens of billions of dollars less in taxable value for FY 2025-26 compared to this year. City Council members responded to the “sobering” and “concerning” nancial report during an April 8 review by noting the challenges they’ll face in maintaining city services. On top of local trends, they also pointed out Austin’s mounting losses of federal funding and the need to support local initiatives amid those cuts. Austin expecting fund gaps; costs could rise

The approach

City costs

The typical Austin homeowner is projected to pay roughly 25% more in city property taxes, fees and utility charges by 2030.

With sales tax revenue already lower than expected, and a potential drop-o ahead if consumer spending falls o, Budget Oce Director Kerri Lang said “tough decisions” could lie ahead. City Manager T.C. Broadnax said nancial sta are continuing to rene their projections and work to reallocate funding in line with City Council and community goals. “Given the uncertainty in the global and national economy and the eect of property tax caps, we knew we’d be facing headwinds this year. We’ve prepared for them and will adjust as necessary,” he said in a statement. His budget will be presented in July before review and council consideration in August.

Property taxes

Utility charges, city fees

$8K

$6K

$4K

$2K

NOTE: ESTIMATES BASED ON ANNUAL MEDIAN HOME VALUES AND TYPICAL UTILITY USE.

General fund decits Austin could face gaps of tens of millions of dollars in the city budget for public safety, parks, libraries and housing.

Looking ahead

State law blocks cities from raising more than 3.5% in additional property taxes year-over-year, aside from any newly-added value. However, tax rates generating revenue beyond that cap can pass with voter approval. Austin hasn’t yet needed a tax rate election, or TRE, but city ocials and sta have been pointing to the likelihood of one on the horizon—and continuing every four years. City Council plans to pass a formal TRE policy in May before setting any potential election dates.

Revenue

Spending

2024-25 2025-26 2026-27 2027-28 2028-29 2029-30

$0 / $1.4B $1.5B $1.6B $1.7B $1.8B

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

New initiative aims to eliminate traffic deaths March 11, Travis County commissioners approved a goal of achieving a 50% reduction in roadway fatalities by 2035 and 100% by 2050. Explained The Safe Streets for All initiative—which has been adopted by cities and transportation agencies across the nation—aims to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities. Also referred to as Vision Zero, the county is currently developing its safety action plan. The current study area includes all of Travis County with a focus on unincorporated areas, as well as partnering jurisdictions within the county. Developing this plan will open doors for future funding from the U.S. Department of Transporta- tion, Commissioner Ann Howard said. The federal grant program is providing $5 billion over a five- year period toward local road safety efforts. The

TravCo crashes

290

Distracted driving

Under the influence

Speeding

3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000

1826

290

1826

New bridge opens at RM 1826, Hwy. 290 The first phase of a new bridge opened at the juncture of RM 1826 and Hwy. 290 in March. Currently, a single lane in each direc- tion is open, while construction continues on the opposite side of the bridge. About the project Hwy. 290 from Oak Hill to Dripping Springs is under construction, transforming to a six-lane divided highway with new frontage roads and shared-use paths.

500

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

SOURCES: TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/ COMMUNITY IMPACT

program is expected to continue until 2026. The final draft of the Travis County safety action plan is expected to be submitted to commissioners by May for final approval. Some of the top concerns revolved around speeding, distracted and aggressive driving, the initiative’s project manager Dan Malson said.

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Education

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

AISD considers school consolidations Austin ISD ocials are considering consoli- dating schools as a potential option to combat ongoing budget challenges. Plans for the consolidations are still being discussed. Voting for consolidation will happen December 2025. What you need to know Elementary schools with less than 500 students and middle schools with less than 750 students could be considered in the plan. That includes an

Austin school marks start of modernization Langford Elementary School celebrated the beginning of its full modernization project with a March 13 groundbreaking ceremony. The gist The full modernization project, part of Austin ISD’s 2022 bond, will update the campus to include collaborative and exible learning spaces, and outdoor learning areas. The project will also include a new gym, cafeteria, library, upgraded technology, dedicated spaces for mental health and wellness and more. The project is estimated to cost $39.9 million, per district documents. The ground- breaking follows over 10 other ceremonies for AISD’s open-concept and modernization bond projects, per a news release.

estimated 49 schools in the district to be consid- ered, AISD ocials said. However, district ocials said all 49 schools being consolidated is only a theoretical estimate that produces the maximum amount of savings, not the “realistic” amount of campuses that could be consolidated if the board approves the action. AISD ocials were unable to provide the names of schools that could be considered for consolida- tion as of press time. Consolidating schools could lead to better school utilization, district ocials said. There is an average of 600 students in AISD school campuses, compared to higher numbers of students at other comparable districts in Texas, according to a Gibson Consulting Group audit.

School utilization by percentage of student seats lled Elementary High school Middle school

Filled seats

Open seats

District-wide

29%

71%

36%

64%

15%

85%

27%

73%

SOURCE: AUSTIN ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Rooster Springs Elementary principal selected Dripping Springs ISD ocials selected the new Rooster Springs Elementary principal following former principal Steve Novickas’ appointment as new Wildwood Springs Elementary principal, the district’s newest elementary school. The details Oliver has served as assistant principal of Rooster Springs for the past two years.

Before working at DSISD, Oliver spent nine years at Austin ISD’s Kocurek Elementary and served as an instructional coach and academic interven- tionist, and as a fth grade English as a Second Language teacher. “[She] is a strong leader, and we are condent that her leadership will take the campus to new heights of success and achievement,” DSISD superintendent Holly Morris-Kuentz said.

Melissa Oliver was appointed to the school’s campus principal following a board meeting March 31.

ELISABETH JIMENEZCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Lack of recent rainfall impacting Austin-area swimming holes From the cover

The overview

BULL CREEK

Greenbelt swimming holes A Lost Creek Greenbelt B Sculpture Falls C Twin Falls D Gus Fruh at Barton Creek E The Flats at Barton Creek F Campbell’s Hole Barton Creek G Bull Creek Greenbelt Upper

As spring gives way to summer, warmer temperatures send many Austinites in search of a place to cool o—often near water. Popular haunts like the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Barton Springs Pool routinely see a rise in visitors beginning in April that ramp up over the summer, with over 90,000 individuals taking a dip in Barton Springs last May, according to Austin’s Park and Recreation department. A frequent visitor of local parks and greenbelts, local Brian Leitner said these natural swimming spots are a “big piece” of Austin. “The water is what brings me here,” Lietner said. “Austin’s my favorite city because it’s hot, it’s got culture, and I can jump in the water pretty much six to eight months out of the year.” However, without much rainfall this year adding to persistent drought conditions in the area, the rst question for many will be “Is there any water?” For now, some of Austin’s natural swim areas are owing, while others still need steady rainfall to see measurable water volume. Water levels in local greenbelts are variable and dependent on rainfall, while spring-fed natural swimming areas remain at a consistent temperature and water level, according to the city’s parks and recreation department. Forecasts from the Lower Colorado River Authority, or LCRA—which oversees access to the Colorado River water supply for Austin—indicate the Hill Country will see slightly below average rainfall over the spring and summer months. LCRA chief meteorologist Bob Rose said the summer pattern currently shows only a few opportunities for rain, with “nothing sustained or heavy.”

183

H The Bull Creek Preserve I St. Edward’s Greenbelt

Cubic feet per second gives an indication of stream conditions like water levels.

West Lake Hills

360

BARTON CREEK

SHOAL CREEK

MOPAC

Barton Creek

WALLER CREEK

Austin

290

DATA AS OF APRIL 21. SOURCE: LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

From the experts

Austin-area annual rainfall Central Texas has faced drought conditions since 2019, with declining rainfall over the past decade contributing to persisting arid conditions.

Should the dry spell continue, the current arid conditions could rival the “drought of record,” which was the area’s worst drought in history from 2008-2015. The most recent ve years of drought conditions have played a role in diminished water levels at some of Austin’s favorite greenbelts. Recent eorts to modernize the city’s water use and management plan, known as Water Forward, indicate that Austin is projected to see longer, worse droughts in the decades ahead as Texas grows drier overall.

This year’s current storm track is expected to be primarily across Oklahoma and North Texas, allowing fewer storms to make it south into Central Texas, Rose said. However, he noted other tropical storms and moisture could bring rain into the area. Central Texas has remained under drought conditions since 2019, which was the last time the area’s two water supply reservoirs, known as the Highland Lakes system, were full. Both lakes Buchanan and Travis, which make up the High- land Lakes system, are currently under halfway full, according to LCRA data.

20 30 40 50 60

59.96 inches

28.25 inches

0 10

SOURCE: NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY HALEY MCLEOD

A closer look

Related highlights

located in the higher-elevation areas where the region’s feeder rivers and streams begin, mean- ing these ponds must ll up before any runo reaches the Highland Lakes system, Hamilton said. Under state law, each of these stock tanks is allowed without a permit up to 200 acre-feet, which equates to a capacity of roughly 65 million gallons of water. “They’re literally strangling us. They’re cutting o our water supply,” Hamilton said.

Shannon Hamilton, the executive director for the Central Texas Water Coalition, said that rain is not the only contributing factor to lowering water levels. “What’s changed signicantly is how much water is owing into our lakes,” Hamilton said. She said that in Texas, property owners are legally allowed to dig out ponds or stock tanks on their property, typically to be used for agricul- tural or shing purposes. Central Texas has around 44,000 small ponds

These trends come alongside a surge in demand, with Austin Water’s customer base estimated to triple over the next 100 years. Additionally, the area’s growing data center industry adds exponential demand on local water supply, with one data center consuming millions of gallons of water a day to cool o hundreds of on-site computers. Managing water resources has become an increased priority for local ocials and conservationists alike—not only for municipal needs, but for sustaining the local environment, including swimming spots. In November, Austin City Council members approved a measure to amend the Water Forward plan, focusing on conservation. Municipal demand historically has taken up around half of the total water consumption, according to LCRA data, and with a hotter, drier future forecasted, the strain on natural water resources is expected to increase.

The Flats at the Barton Creek Greenbelt owing with water after rain. (Courtesy Austin Parks and Recreation)

Since 2020, the Barton Creek Greenbelt has seen little to no streamow. (Haley McLeod/Community Impact)

Clean up after pets and dispose of waste properly Know before you go

Plan a visit

Always enter unknown or shallow water feet rst Avoid algae in stagnant water. Residents should treat all algae as potentially harmful

As deepening drought threatens the length of the area’s creekside swimming season, locals may look to places like Barton Springs Pool. The spring-fed watering hole measures

For those looking to cool o in the greenbelt swimming holes but unsure about water levels, the LCRA provides real-time data for several creeks in the Austin area. Find local water levels by looking at current

Pack it in, pack it out

3 acres and remains at an average temperature of 68-70 degrees.

streamow and recent rainfall on https://hydromet.lcra.org/coa .

Watch for strong currents, obstacles, rocks and debris

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTIN, AMERICAN RED CROSSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

From the cover

Persistent drought impacting Dripping Springs businesses, agriculture

Drought explained

small pores and how deep it is below the surface, he said. Even if the region does get rain, the rainfall only ows down into recharge zones, such as creek beds, after the soil and plants have absorbed as much water as they can, Flatten said. As of March 31, U.S. Drought Monitor ocials are predicting the drought will persist this summer, meaning less possibility of recharge opportunities for the aquifer, impacting long-term availability.

residents not on city utilities have to use wells, which get water from local underground aquifers. These local aquifers rely on being relled, or recharged, through rainfall, meaning long periods of drought can impact how much water is in the aquifer and, therefore, how much is available for use, said Charlie Flatten, general manager of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. The Lower Trinity Aquifer, which serves Dripping Springs, has a slower recharge rate because of its

Both Travis County and Hays County have been under drought conditions for the past three to six years. As of press time, most of Travis and Hays County are in Stage 3, extreme drought conditions. Some areas of Hays County, including western Dripping Springs, are under Stage 4, the most extreme drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Residents that are on municipal services get their water from the Highland Lakes in Austin, but

Drought conditions None Abnormally dry • Grass ires increase • Surface water levels decline Moderate drought

Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs

360

78749

MOPAC

78735

78620

• Wildire frequency increases • Voluntary water restrictions Severe drought • Mandatory water restrictions • Pasture conditions poor • Wildire danger is severe Extreme drought • Increased risk of large wildires • Decreased yields for irrigated crops

78736

78745

290

78748

78737

78739

Exceptional drought • Cull cattle; liquidate herds • Widespread crop loss

SOURCE: U.S. DROUGHT MONITORCOMMUNITY IMPACT NOTE: DROUGHT CONDITIONS ARE AS OF APRIL 21.

Local perspective

Joe Kanetzky, a longhorn cattle rancher in Drip- ping Springs, said he’s accustomed to adapting to long droughts. He said he adapts by ensuring he has enough native grasses, better suited for the drier climate, for his cattle to graze on. His 270-acre ranch oper- ates as a “grass factory” for his cattle, meaning fatter, better-selling cattle. Persistent drought can lead to issues with feed, such as grass and hay availability. With less feed available, that means reducing herd sizes because of increased costs for alternative feed and water sources, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA monthly data reports also show the cattle market becoming more expensive for

both ranchers and consumers. Kanetzky said he had to drop his well down further in the aquifer about 10 years ago as more development came to his neighborhood. If he needs more water, he will have to redrill into the aquifer, he said. Driftwood brewery Vista Brewing relies on their well to operate their business, from creating their brews to ordering a glass of water, CEO Kent Killough said. Major water availability concerns haven’t been an issue, but as the business and area grows, Killough has to consider how lower aquifer levels will impact his business. “Two or three years [from now], if we’re in the same weather pattern … then it will be 911, and in

Joe Kanetzky said he’s used to dry periods, but a prolonged lack of rainfall can impact his grass yield.

order for our business to be sustainable, I have to be able to address that as it happens or in advance of it happening,” he said.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ELISABETH JIMENEZ

Zooming in

Well water levels

Flatten said that less rain paired with the growth of both counties contributes to the issue. Wells rely on adequate aquifer levels to rell, but with more development comes more demand. This can prevent the aquifer from recharging at a rate sucient to support residences and businesses, said Jim Blair, owner of well drilling service Bee Cave Drilling. Demand is also not shared evenly, with larger commercial businesses requiring more water for operations, he said. People may have to drill deeper into the aquifer if their well is at a dry spot, Blair said. This can be expensive, creating a barrier to accessing water. “As long as you have enough money, you can have all the water you need,” he said. However, drilling deeper is not a long-term solution, Flatten said, as the “aquifer doesn’t go to the center of the Earth.”

Wells across Hays County are seeing an overall trend of lower water levels, which could cause the need to drill deeper or bring in water trucks. Driftwood Henly Northwest Dripping Springs Dripping Springs

0 ft

-100 ft

-200 ft

-300 ft

-400 ft

-500 ft

SOURCE: HAYS TRINITY GROUNDWATER DISTRICTCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Going forward

Topiwala who are part of the project said rainwater catching and understanding native plants can allow people to take advantage of rainfall. Permaculture refers to a type of land management that mimics natural ecosystems. “We’re just like, ‘Oh, great, it’s raining,’ but yet, what’s happening to that water?” she said. “It’s just taking what little topsoil we have and just running o and it’s gone.” Topiwala said being intentional about water conservation and land management can help

mitigate the issues with water availability. “We’re just groups of people who care about the environment that want to see better stewardship of the land that we live on, that way our wells don’t dry o,” he said. The future of water availability in Hays County could be impacted by bills currently in the Texas Legislative session. This includes a bill that would increase revenue for HTGCD, while another would decrease regulation of groundwater wells serving the public.

Residents and local businesses are working on solutions such as smaller-scale rainwater harvesting and planting native species in the wake of water availability issues. Dripping Springs Big Country neighbors are working on an initiative to rehydrate the land through rainfall catchment and planting native species. These methods can help reduce reliance on wells and have people use plants better suited for their climate. Resident Annie Spade and permaculturalist Kiran

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SOUTHWEST AUSTIN DRIPPING SPRINGS EDITION

Community

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ

Spring Cleaning Guide

books, textbooks and more Locations (book drop boxes) : 3106 E. 14 1/2 St., Austin; Bouldin Creek Cafe, 1900 S. First St., Austin SAFE Warehouse The SAFE Alliance is an Austin-based nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to survivors or child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence and sex trafficking in Central Texas. Donations accepted: home textiles like bedsheets and blankets, home and office furniture, new food and pantry items Location: 1515 Grove Blvd., Austin The Salvation Army The Sal vation Army provides resources and services to those in need of relief and spiritual support. The organization’s programs include food pantries, youth programs, disaster relief, thrift stores and more. Those with donation items can schedule a home pick-up with their local store. Donations accepted : operating appliances, children’s clothing, furniture, household goods, toys, bicycles, books, sports equipment Locations: 4216 S. Congress Ave., Austin; 8801 Research Blvd., Austin; 601 W. Louis Henna Blvd., Austin

Before you go

2025

Outdoor tips and tricks

When it’s time to clean the outside of the house, Community Impact spoke with Steve Ambrose, Division Manager of Home Improvement at ABC Home & Commercial, about the areas to check as the weather warms up.

Irrigation system: to prepare for the hotter, sunnier months, a trial run of the sprinkler system may prevent leaks and program malfunctions.

As the weather warms up in Central Texas, many people take the seasonal change as a chance to clean their homes and belongings to freshen up for the springtime. This is a guide to cleaning both inside and outside the home, including various donation centers to take unneeded items. Austin Creative Reuse Center Nonprofit Austin Creative Reuse sells used creative materials donated from the community. The center also hosts workshops and community events. Donations accepted: art supplies, scrapbook and paper craft, fabric and notions, fiber arts, puzzles, small toys, games, vintage magazines and more Location: 2005 Wheless Lane, Austin Austin Habitat for Humanity ReStore ReStore, which first opened in Austin in 1992, offers home items ranging from flooring and doors to furniture and decor. ReStores are part of nonprofit Austin Habitat for Humanity, which works toward affordable housing in Hays, Caldwell and Travis counties. Donations accepted: home goods including furniture,

appliances, doors, windows, flooring, cabinets, lighting, decor, exercise equipment, baby items, clean clothing and accessories, lawn equipment and more Locations: 500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin; 13804 N. Hwy. 183, Austin; 2521 S. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos Austin Pets Alive! Thrift Austin Pets Alive! Thrift are boutique-style stores offering used items from clothing, home decor and jewelry to support the animal rescue organization. Donations accepted: pet items, adult men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, shoes, books, artwork, musical instruments, working laptops and tablets, video games and more Locations: 5801 Burnet Road, Austin; 1409 W. Oltorf St., Austin; 5102 Clarkson Ave., Austin; 913 N. I-35 frontage road, Round Rock; 15803 Windermere Drive, Ste. 603, Pflugerville Austin Public Library Recycled Reads Bookstore Part of the Austin Public Library System, Recycled Reads sells books, art, games and more priced at $2 and under.

All proceeds benefit the Austin Public Library. Donations accepted: books, CDs, LPs, DVDs, art, complete board games and puzzles, VHS, audio cassettes Location : 5335 Burnet Road, Austin BookSpring BookSpring is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to build early literacy in children and families. Books in good condition can be dropped off during office hours. Donations accepted: picture books in English or Spanish, board books, elementary chapter books, recently published teen and adult fiction Location: 1807 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin Inside Books Project Inside Books Project is an Austin-based nonprofit that sends books and other reading materials to people incarcerated in Texas. Donations accepted: dictionaries & thesauruses (paperback), history books, graphic novels, comics, trade books and how-to manuals, Spanish and English learning

Holes : openings and holes in a house may also give indoor access to pests, Ambrose said.

Gutters : check for debris like twigs, dried leaves and sap, which can weigh down the gutters.

Thresholds : check the weather stripping on doors and windows for drafts.

Trees : a quick walk around can point out any trees touching the house roof that need trimming. As the wind blows, long branches may damage the roof shingles. They can also be an avenue for wildlife like squirrels, rats, possums and raccoons to get onto the roof. Condenser : the condenser is the box- shaped outdoor air conditioning unit most houses have. Ambrose said these can also collect debris, resulting in the indoor AC unit not cooling efficiently.

Hardscapes : hard surfaces like patios, walkways, sidewalks and decks can become slippery from mildew and pollen buildup during spring. Homeowners can clean these areas themselves or call a professional service.

This list is not comprehensive.

SOURCE: STEVE AMBROSE, DIVISION MANAGER OF HOME IMPROVEMENT FOR ABC HOME & COMMERCIAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT

BRODIE LANE 4970 W Hwy 290 (512) 366-8260 BEE CAVE 13015 Shops Pkwy (512) 263-9981

SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 S I-35 Frontage Rd (512) 280-7400 DRIPPING SPRINGS

166 Hargraves (512) 432-0186

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