Jacobs Well Groundwater Management Zone moves into 20% drought

Effective February 1, the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District Board of Directors voted to move the Jacobs Well Groundwater Management Zone into 20% Curtailment drought status.

Jacobs Well spring flow is the district’s trigger for drought curtailment in the JWGMZ, because it is an indicator of groundwater storage within the management zone. Curtailment of 20% is called for if flow drops below a 10-day average of five cubic feet per second (CFS) as measured by the US Geologic Survey flow gauge at the spring. The 10-day average on February 1 was 3.89-CFS. Average spring flow exceeding 6-CFS over a 10-day period will bring the JWGMZ out of drought curtailment.

The 20% curtailment will help prolong groundwater availability for all users. Permittees operating within the Jacobs Well Groundwater Management Zone are required to reduce pumping by 20% to extend supplies until the area receives enough rainfall to sufficiently recharge the aquifer. Groundwater users— whether served by a water utility or well--should reduce water use by 20%, which is usually achieved by limiting outdoor water use.

“It is critical that we all conserve where we can by cutting back on outdoor usage.” said Linda Kaye Rogers, HTGCD Board Vice President and district representative for Wimberley. “We’ve had a very dry winter in the Wimberley Valley – and if we don’t get some good rains, the entire district should expect to move into drought by springtime.”

The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District reports that, district-wide, aquifer measuring wells are experiencing declining water levels and are currently below seasonal average.

The immediate rainfall forecast shows no major rain events in the near future. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts dryer conditions and higher than average temperatures through the rest of the winter.

The Texas Water Development Board recognizes that Hays County and much of Central and West Texas continues to experience moderate drought conditions. Many residents in the Wimberley Valley are already under conservation restrictions. Please visit the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District website for more drought information and tips on conservation at home.