Officials warn of worsening drought; city urged to conserve as district signals possible stage‑5 curtailment

City staff and the Hill Country groundwater conservation district presented updated hydrologic and operational data showing sustained below‑average rainfall, falling well levels and drought indices that indicate worsening conditions. District staff said cumulative indicators put the region near a level (negative‑5 on district index) that would likely trigger curtailment of permitted groundwater withdrawals in critical areas.

Key points from the presentation:

- Rainfall: The Lady Bird Johnson gauge recorded multi‑year deficits; the running average has trended downward over the past six years. The region has experienced several years well below the historical average.

- Well levels: The city’s canal wellfield (a major supply source) showed faster, larger responses to rainfall and to pumping; recent measurements showed the canal field about 15 feet lower than this time last year. The Old San Antonio Road wellfield was nearer last year’s levels but also part of a longer downward trend.

- Drought index and outlook: The district’s composite drought index was approximately −4.5 at the time of the meeting; district staff said it could move to −5 this summer without an anomalous wet season, which would prompt stronger measures and potential curtailment for some permit holders.

- Demand and conservation efforts: Over roughly a decade the city’s residential meter count rose about 16 percent while residential water sales rose by roughly 2–2.5 percent, reflecting conservation measures and rate changes. City water loss is about 6–7 percent after a multi‑year leak‑detection and repair program; staff said that compares favorably with many small utilities.

- Reuse and infrastructure: The city treats about 1.2 million gallons per day of wastewater; during irrigation season a significant portion is reused to irrigate the golf courses and some construction and landscape uses. City staff listed $35 million in water‑system projects completed in the last decade and said a long‑term water‑supply study (RFQ released) will evaluate options for the next 50 years.

City actions and near‑term steps: staff plans to send courtesy letters to roughly 1,000 accounts flagged for weekend irrigation (which is restricted under current stages) and later to accounts with evening or twice‑daily watering. Council and staff discussed enforcing restrictions and possible additional measures if the district moves the region to a higher drought stage: stage‑5 city restrictions would ban outdoor irrigation, including handheld and drip systems, unless the district or city grants a variance for specific health‑safety or economic needs.

Council members and the district urged residents to conserve immediately; staff emphasized that cutting back weekend and evening irrigation offers the quickest relief to reduce demand while the city and district track longer‑term supply solutions.