AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is making history, declaring a Stage 3 Exceptional Drought on September 12, 2025.
This is only the second time the district has declared an Exceptional Drought. The last time was in December 2023.
Effective October 1, groundwater pumping must be reduced by 30%-100% by anyone holding a permit with the district. This includes individual well owners, water utilities and the cities of Kyle and Buda.
The district, in a press release, said the decision was made after one of its monitor wells, Lovelady in South Austin near 1st Street and Stassney Lane, saw a rapid water drop. Typically, this well sits at 490.9 ft-msl.
The District’s drought chart displays the 10-day averages of Barton Springs flow and groundwater levels at Lovelady monitor well as of Sept. 11. (Credit: BSEACD)On Sept. 11, the 10-day average water level measured 457.0 ft.-msl This is the exact level where Stage 3 is triggered.
The well is one of two the district uses to indicate droughts. Similar drops were detected in Edwards and Trinity Aquifers wells.
Boosting Texas Water
The announcement comes just two months before the state will vote on a new amendment designed to boost water supplies.
Texas Proposition 4 would require the state to allocate $1 billion each year for 20 years to the Texas Water Fund. Established in 2023, the Texas Water Fund provides the Texas Water Development Board with resources to improve water infrastructure in the state.
A new poll conducted by Texas 2036, a nonpartisan public policy research group, shows that most Texans support Prop 4.
In the survey, 69% of those surveyed said they support Prop 4 after learning it will dedicate $1 billion for 20 years to infrastructure projects. 75% supported it when learning it will "ensure a more reliable supply of water" for communities.
Prop 4 is one of 17 propositions Texans will vote on November 4. Other props include a prohibition on the Texas Legislature imposing capital gains taxes and an increase in homestead exemptions from $100,000 to $140,000.
Meanwhile, the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District urges everyone to conserve water.
“We all have a role to play in protecting this precious resource as we face one of the region’s most intense droughts in recorded history,” said Shay Hlavaty, Communications & Outreach Manager for the District in a statement.
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