Extreme drought declared for southwestern Travis County

Groundwater conservation district leaders declared an extreme drought in southwestern Travis County on Feb. 19, calling for water curtailment from users.

The announcement 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.

The impact

As a result of the declaration, the Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District is calling for:

• 30% voluntary curtailment from exempt wells, limited production general permits and nonexempt domestic users
• 30% mandatory reduction of quarterly permitted 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 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

The measure also limits the drilling of new nonexempt 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 highest level of drought impacting at least 50% of the groundwater conservation district. Average rainfall, aquifer conditions and neighboring county conditions can also play a role in the decision.

As of Feb. 17, 53% of the SWTCGCD was in extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with the remainder of the district facing severe drought.