Environment
BY GRACE DICKENS
Despite a few rainy days in March, the Lake Travis area remains in extreme drought, which was declared by local groundwater conservation district leaders Feb. 19. The details The announcement from the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District comes on the heels of prolonged and intensifying drought in the region, which board members fear is causing strain on groundwater and aquifer resources, according to a news release. As a result of the declaration, the SWTCGCD is calling for: Southwest Travis County declares extreme drought
According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, there are four general definitions of drought.
Travis County monthly precipitation totals
Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District
Drought update
Understanding drought
D0+ Abnormally Dry D1+ Moderate Drought D2+ Severe Drought D3+ Extreme Drought D4+ Exceptional Drought None
8 in. 6 in. 4 in. 2 in. 0 in.
Meteorological drought • Precipitation deficiency and reduced runoff or groundwater recharge • High temperatures, increased evaporation and plants releasing water vapor
Agricultural drought
Hydrological drought • Reduced streamflow
Socioeconomic drought • Economic, social and environmental impacts
• Soil water deficiency • Plant water stress and reduced yield/mass
and inflows into water reservoirs
SOURCE: U.S. DROUGHT MONITOR/COMMUNITY IMPACT
2025
2026
Time
Highland Lakes inflows
• 30% voluntary curtailment from exempt wells, including residential users, alongside limited production general permits and nonexempt domestic users • 30% mandatory reduction of quarterly permit- ted use amount for users with operating permits • No use of water without a board-approved variance for test well general permits
Some of the restrictions include: • Only watering lawns, trees and shrubs up to once every five to seven days • Watering between 8 p.m.-midnight and using a hand-held hose • No swimming pool refills (topping off only) • Only washing vehicles at car wash when necessary • Not washing buildings, driveways or other outdoor surfaces unless necessary for safety
Avg. (2008-2015)
2026
SOURCE: NATIONAL DROUGHT MITIGATION CENTER/COMMUNITY IMPACT
January
groundwater conservation district. Average rain- fall, aquifer conditions and neighboring county conditions can also play a role in the decision. As of March 12, extreme drought affected 77% of the county, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with the remainder facing severe drought. On Dec. 12, none of the county was facing extreme drought, with 59% experiencing severe drought.
The measure also limits the drilling of new non- exempt wells and applications for new operating permits. For a full list of restrictions, visit www.swtcgcd.com. Diving in deeper The stage of drought is determined by the high- est level of drought impacting at least 50% of the
36,301 acre-feet
16,074 acre-feet
February
51,890 acre-feet
13,654 acre-feet
SOURCES: LOWER COLORADO RIVER AUTHORITY, WATER DATA FOR TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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