The Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District officials declared the area is experiencing extreme drought, according to a press release on July 11.
This declaration institutes groundwater use reduction measures and restrictions, such as a voluntary or required 30% reduction in groundwater usage for wells depending on the type of permit issued; tighter restrictions on watering outdoor vegetation; discouraging the pumping of groundwater into livestock tanks; and more.
The drought stage for the district is defined as the highest level of drought intensity over at least 25% of the land area over at least two weeks, the press release said. The declaration of being in "severe drought" corresponds to the U.S. Drought Monitor intensity levels, which go from D-0, meaning abnormally dry, to D-4, or exceptional drought. The current designation falls into D-3, or extreme drought, which the press release said the district passed the threshold for in late June. Officials previously upgraded the area to D-2 on June 17.
The decision by the board to change the drought status may consider other factors that influence aquifer conditions and outlook, according to the press release.
