Dry times in Wimberley Valley
These are dry times, and creeks and groundwater levels are starting to really show it. It’s been nearly two months since the last major rainfall (Edwards Aquifer Authority weather station on the Blanco River near Burnett Ranch Road reported 2.5″ on May 25th and less than 0.25” on July 25-26). Summers in Central Texas are typically dry and hot; this year is no exception.
Soils are drying out and smaller creeks have stopped flowing. Middle Trinity springs are sustaining flow in the Blanco River and Cypress Creek. Pleasant Valley and Park Springs’ flow is estimated by the USGS gage near Fisher Store Rd. Jacob’s Well flow is measured at the USGS gage at the Natural Area. Both springs show a steady decline since June 1st. At Jacob’s Well under these low-flow conditions, groundwater pumping can cause 1 to 1.5 cubic feet per second (cfs) fluctuation in flow throughout the day. This increased variation in Jacob’s Well springflow through time is shown in the hydrograph above.
Water levels in monitor wells show similar trends, though the decline is slightly delayed. Review of selected HTGCD monitor well data (from west to east) show that water level in the Burnett Ranch well began declining in early July, the Mt. Baldy well began declining in mid-July, and the Downing well shows decline since early June. Review of the BSEACD monitor wells shows the Edwards aquifer is behaving similarly. Water levels in the Hoskins and Lovelady wells began declining in early June.
To preserve our water resources, conservation is key–especially during these dry times. Outdoor landscape and lawn irrigation can account for up to 60% of household water use. During these dry summer months when springflow and groundwater levels are low, Please limit outdoor water use and if you do choose to water outdoors, do it in the early morning or late evening to limit evaporation. Native and drought-tolerant landscaping is paying off now–those plants are accustomed to hot, dry Texas summers. Keep an eye out for leaks, and use water wisely. For more water monitoring information and links visit: www.WimberleyWatershed.org/HydroReport.