DROUGHT INFORMATION

With water well levels already near historic lows and fall rainfall deficits at around five inches, the Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District (TGR) declared STAGE 3 water restrictions in compliance with the District’s Drought Contingency Plan effective as of Friday, November 1.

 

“We are seeing very negative trends in our Trinity Aquifer monitoring water well levels continue. Additionally, we’re seeing that same type of problem with the Edwards Aquifer,” said TGR General Manager Amanda Maloukis. “So as the Edwards Aquifer Authority is considering for the first time ever declaring Stage 5 of their drought plan, we know that it is critical for us to declare Stage 3 of our drought plan. These two drought stages are the highest levels of required conservation measures and they’re being invoked due to our persistent drought which has prevented water wells from replenishing to get us back to somewhat normal water levels.”

 

Since September 1, San Antonio has recorded a little less than 1.5 inches of rain. That’s 5 inches below average for the first eight weeks of fall. This is also the driest start to fall since 2008 which was also one of the area’s toughest droughts. As of now, it has been two months since any rain has fallen in San Antonio. Given those very dry conditions, the current US Drought Monitor lists the majority of Bexar County as being in (D3)-Extreme Drought.

 

“How can people help our aquifers? First of all, the growing season has stopped, so there should absolutely be no lawn watering happening,” Maloukis stated in her call to action. “Even though our Stage 3 irrigation measures limit watering to once every other two weeks, that restriction is really written for summer months when landscapes do need a little water to stay alive. So, please, turn off all sprinkler systems and hand water only where and when necessary. Then, we would ask families to talk about conserving water. We can save a lot of water by taking short showers, washing only full loads of clothes and dishes and never just letting a faucet run. You must have an active purpose for using water to turn the faucet on.”

 

Maloukis concluded by reminding people that droughts are a part of living in South Texas. And, at some point, those droughts end with plentiful rainfall. But, until that much needed precipitation returns, it is up to every family and business operation to take these water conserving measures seriously.

 

The conservation measures outlined and strongly encouraged under TGR’s Stage 3 drought plan include all conservation measures from Stage’s 1 and 2 unless replaced by Stage 3:

 

1. Watering with an irrigation system, sprinkler, or soaker hose is allowed once every other week, from 5- 10 a.m. and 9-12 p.m. on your designated watering day as determined by your address.

2. Watering with drip irrigation may run one day a week, on Friday, from 5-10 a.m. or 9-12 p.m.

3. Watering with a hand-held hose may occur any time and any day.

4. Water use reduction goal of 15%.

5. Installing newly planted landscapes is highly discouraged.

6. Aesthetic fountains should not be utilized unless an alternative source of water other than groundwater.

7. Do not wash parking lots, driveways or sidewalks unless health and safety is a risk.

8. The use of a commercial car wash facility that recycles water is allowed any day.

9. Alternate sources of water are highly encouraged such as rain water harvesting, reclaimed condensate, reclaimed grey water, recycled water, and other non-groundwater sources.

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Below is a chart outlining the day of the week your household is allowed to water, which is every other week during Stage 3 drought restrictions. But, as mentioned, with the landscape growing season over for 2024, there should not be any lawn watering with sprinkler systems occurring now.