BY THOMAS LEFFLER
Why it matters
Why now?
GVSUD is currently adapting to drought conditions in its strategic plan. One of the objectives is to complete a drought contingency plan with incentives for individual conservation, targeting a December completion. “We’re actively looking for how we can incentivize it, whether that’s through a rebate program, whether that’s through xeriscaping,” Gage said. In early 2026, the district’s board of directors will have an updated assessment briefing on sub-tasks within the strategic plan. These tasks range from the technical, such as completing AMI upgrades and a new Water Master Plan, to the communicative, such as launching a new user-friendly mobile application. In the greater statewide battle against drought conditions, the Nov. 4 election featured State Proposition 4 on the ballot. If passed, this would authorize the Texas comptroller to allocate $1 billion annually in net sales tax revenue, after revenue exceeds $46.5 billion , to the Texas Water Fund, according to the Texas Water Development Board. The amendment, if passed, would take effect Sept. 1, 2027. Funds would be allocated for 20 years unless a state of disaster is declared. “It [would create] a really meaningful bucket for conservation projects like fixing leaky pipes, so that is a huge win for conservation from our perspective,” Bruno said.
GVSUD is working to upgrade its operations by way of the strategic plan as water shortages remain a concern across Texas. Part of the plan is to invest in alternative water sources, such as Brackish water projects, which the U.S. Geological Survey defines as water with a higher salt concentration than freshwater but lower than seawater. Bexar and Guadalupe counties are currently deep into both agricultural and hydrological drought. According to Water Data for Texas, agri- cultural drought is a measure of rainfall shortage affecting crop production, while hydrological drought is a measure of a shortage’s impact on water supplies. According to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, an index of soil moisture that determines hydro- logical drought, Guadalupe County is at 610 out of
800 as of Nov. 3, with 800 representing completely dry conditions. Bexar County is at a similarly dry 583 out of 800. Both counties are also classified as being in a majority severe agricultural drought by the U.S. Drought Monitor. Paul Bertetti, senior director of aquifer science research and modeling at the Edwards Aquifer Authority, said these conditions have been in place since early 2022. Bertetti said current drought conditions are the worst in the area since the mid-1950s. “The current drought is not nearly as long, but water levels in general are a little bit lower than they were [then], so it’s a significant drought and a concern in that, unless we get more rainfall, it’s likely that [current] water levels and water restric- tions will continue for some time,” Bertetti said.
San Antonio area drought conditions Bexar and Guadalupe counties are in deeper drought conditions than neighboring areas as of Oct. 28.
D0 - Abnormally dry D1 - Moderate drought D2 - Severe drought D3 - Extreme drought
KENDALL
COMAL
GUADALUPE
BEXAR
Comal County
Bexar County
Guadalupe County
N
SOURCE: WATER DATA FOR TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
River of Life Christian Ministry Cathedral
We Are a Community Dedicated to Seeking God & Serving People Seeking People
Join us
River Women’s Day: Every 5th Sunday
Presiding +Bishop Michael J. Springs PhD, Dmin
Pastor Evangelist Dr. Mary L. Springs
Sunday School: 9:00 A.M. Sunday Worship: 10:30 A.M.
Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. via Zoom Personal ID# (943 373 7269)
Holy Communion: Every 1st Sunday
5624 Randolph Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78233 • 210-773-4430 • TheRiverSA.Com • msprings@satx.rr.com
17
NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook