Edwards Aquifer Authority moves to Stage 3 permit reductions

The Edwards Aquifer Authority on Nov. 1 declared a decrease to Stage 3 reductions for water permit pumpers in seven area counties, including Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe.

What happened

EAA officials said the 10-day rolling average at Comal Springs was 103 cubic feet per second, the J-17 index well’s 10-day rolling average was 634.6 feet above mean sea level, and the 10-day rolling average for the San Marcos Springs was 88 CFS.

Under Stage 3 reductions, the EAA’s critical period management plan requires Edwards Aquifer groundwater permit holders in a seven-county region to reduce their annual authorized pumping by 35%.

These reductions apply to all Edwards Aquifer groundwater permit holders authorized to pump more than 3 acre-feet annually, including industrial and agricultural users, and water utilities authorized to pump water from the Edwards Aquifer.

Digging deeper

EAA officials said residents and businesses within the affected seven-county region who receive their water from a public water system should follow their respective water provider's directives regarding water use practices.

EAA officials added the agency does not enforce lawn watering activities or other general water limitations enacted.