San Antonio Faces Expanding Drought Amid Lack of Rain
San Antonio is feeling the heat, and not just from the Texas sun. The drought in South Central Texas continues to grow, with the San Antonio International Airport reporting an astounding 45 days without any measurable rainfall. This dry spell is taking a serious toll not just on our daily lives, but on lakes, rivers, and even our precious Edwards Aquifer.
What’s Happening with the Edwards Aquifer?
For those who might not know, the Edwards Aquifer is a crucial water source for our region. It’s primarily monitored at a well known as the J-17, located at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. This well has a long history; it was drilled back in 1914! The data collected from this well is incredibly reliable, making it a vital resource for understanding the aquifer’s status.
Recently, the J-17 well recorded a water level of 625.7 feet above sea level. This number is alarming because it ties with the lowest reading we saw back in August 2023. The situation is dire as this level is lower than those recorded during severe drought periods in the past, such as September 2014 when Medina Lake nearly ran dry. With no significant rain on the horizon for the next week, we could see these levels continue to drop.
Why Are There Water Restrictions?
You might be wondering, if we have a seemingly endless aquifer, why are we facing water restrictions? It’s a good question! The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) was established in 1993 following a judicial decision that mandated the Texas Water Commission to keep spring flows steady, particularly from the aquifer-fed Comal and San Marcos springs, to protect endangered species.
Given the low levels we’re dealing with, the EAA has placed the region under Stage 4 water restrictions. However, your personal restrictions might vary depending on your water provider.
- SAWS Customers: Currently under Stage 4 restrictions.
- Texas Water Company Customers: Stage 3 restrictions for Bandera, Blanco, Comal, and Medina counties, and Stage 4 for Kendall County.
- New Braunfels Utilities: Following Stage 2 restrictions.
- Boerne Utilities: Also under Stage 2 restrictions.
Make sure to check with your specific water provider to understand what restrictions apply to you!
The Weather Outlook: Not Encouraging
As we look at the weather ahead, it seems like the gloomy days are far from behind us. Our current weather patterns are anything but exciting, with the forecast showing no major rain events in the upcoming week. The Climate Prediction Center predicts a drier-than-average November for us in South Central Texas. Even the NOAA has forecasted a generally dry winter ahead, largely due to the anticipated return of La Niña conditions by the end of 2024.
This doesn’t mean we won’t get a few rain showers or maybe even some cold snaps along the way, but averages tell us that our winter may lean toward being hotter and drier, which doesn’t bode well for our ongoing drought situation.
What Now?
As tough as this situation might feel, keep in mind that the Edwards Aquifer isn’t going to run dry in our lifetimes. So while it’s vital to save water and adhere to restrictions, there’s still hope. Remember that your local weather authority is here to keep you updated and informed on what to expect, so you can make smart choices about conservation.
Even though the headlines around water can be sobering, we can band together as a community to navigate these challenges. By doing our part to conserve water, we support our environment and future.
Make sure to stay tuned for more updates on the weather, and don’t forget to check back for any changes regarding our drought conditions!
