The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District declared a Stage 3 Exceptional Drought, effective Oct. 1, marking only the second time in its 38-year history.
The declaration follows a sharp drop in groundwater levels at the Lovelady monitor well, which fell below the district’s drought threshold.
The district manages portions of the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, supplying drinking water to nearly 100,000 residents from South Austin to southern San Marcos. It also oversees the groundwater that feeds Barton Springs, a vital ecological and recreational resource…