The Board of Directors of the Blanco-Pedernales Groundwater Conservation District has terminated the drought conditions for all Blanco County groundwater users. This declaration went into effect Thursday, January 21, 2010. 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 heavy rains, water levels in District’s monitor wells have risen to near-normal conditions. In addition, after several months of being in a no-flow condition, the Blanco River has now been flowing for several weeks. Perhaps most importantly, the rainfall patterns seem to be changing to a wetter profile that is expected to continue into the spring.

The Board reviewed all this information and determined that both the current aquifer conditions and the expected weather patterns justified ending the county-wide Drought Conditions, which had been in place for over a year. Fieseler also stated that the District staff and Directors would continue to keep a close eye on monitor well levels and local weather patterns as the summer of 2010 approaches. “If we find that drought conditions return to Blanco County, the District will be prepared to declare a drought and get the word out to conserve water and reduce or restrict pumpage as necessary,” Fieseler said.

Even with the termination of Drought Conditions, Blanco County residents are encouraged to continue practicing water conservation measures. There is an old saying, “the next drought may begin after the last rain.” As growth continues to occur in Blanco County, 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.