The Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District has terminated the drought conditions for all Blanco County groundwater users. This declaration went into effect Monday, April 2, 2012. There are no restrictions on groundwater usage for Blanco County well owners at this time.

According to Ron Fieseler, General Manager for the District, due to the recent rains, water levels in District’s monitor wells have risen several feet and are approaching more average levels. Most importantly, after several months of being in a no-flow condition, the Blanco River has now been flowing for several weeks and many smaller streams are flowing to some degree. Once the ground is well saturated, flowing streams provide significant recharge to the local aquifers. In addition, the rainfall patterns seem to be changing to a wetter profile that is expected to continue into the spring.

The Board of Directors and the General Manager reviewed all this information and determined that both the current aquifer conditions and the expected weather patterns justified ending the County-wide Drought Conditions that have been in place since last April.

“We are encouraged by the improved aquifer conditions, and hope that we can remain in No Drought status for an extended period,” Fieseler said. He stated that the District staff and Directors will continue to keep a close eye on monitoring well levels and local weather patterns as the summer of 2012 progresses. “If we find that drought conditions return to Blanco County, the District will be prepared to declare yet another drought and get the word out to conserve water and reduce or restrict pumpage as necessary,” Fieseler added.

Even with the termination of Drought Conditions, Blanco County residents are encouraged to continue practicing water conservation measures, being particularly watchful of unnecessary outside watering. There is an old saying, “The next drought may begin after the last rain.” As growth continues to occur in Blanco County, and our overall water needs increase, we all need to keep this in mind.

If you have any questions about Drought Conditions, water conservation practices, or Blanco County groundwater resources, you are invited to contact the District at 830-868-9196.