Current situation
Critical Period Management reductions will move from Stage 3 to Stage 2 for the San Antonio pool, which reduces the annual authorized withdrawal amounts available to groundwater permit holders by 30%, according to a news release issued by the EAA on Jan. 26.
The San Antonio Pool affects permit holders in Atascosa, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays and Medina counties. Reductions apply to Edwards Aquifer groundwater permit holders authorized to pump more than 3 acre-feet each year, such as industrial and agricultural users, and water utilities that have been authorized to pump water from the aquifer for delivery to customers.
The specifics
The EAA monitors water levels at several locations within the aquifers jurisdictions. According to the release, as of Jan. 25, a confirmed 10-day rolling average of:
- 640.1 feet above mean sea level (ft msl) at the J-17 index well
- Discharge was 194 cubic feet per second (cfs) at the Comal Springs.
- Discharge was 97 cfs for the San Marcos Springs.
According to the EAA release, residents and businesses within the counties affected by this change and who get their water service from a public water system should follow that water provider's rules for water use practices.
The EAA does not enforce the water’s provider’s rules for lawn watering restrictions.
