May 23, 2013
Western Hays County, the HTGCD Board of Directors authorized Drought Stage, Critical at its May 16th Board meeting last week. Drought trigger conditions have met the criteria, 30 consecutive days of flow below stage trigger, critical. The District’s triggers, the Pedernales and Blanco Rivers, are monitored by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) who collect and distribute data using satellite technology. Drought condition data can be viewed on the District’s website www.haysgroundwater.com under Quick Links / Drought Management.
The District holds 51 non-exempt permits within its boundaries. Drought production cutbacks are requirements for all permit holders and are enforceable by District Rules. Each permit holder is issued their own unique cutback reduction chart with production target amounts for each drought stage and corresponding month. All permit holders are required to begin reducing their production to critical target amounts starting on June 1, 2013. The District notified all its permit holders of the newly declared drought condition on May 3, 2013 using its email distribution list, phone calls, letters in particular cases, and new to the District, reminder postcards. This four-week early announcement allows permit holders time to reach out to their end-users to publicize the June 1 drought condition cutback requirements. Please contact your local water supplier with questions concerning water restrictions and cutbacks.
This summer will be another hot season for our area, so we ask that all residents of western Hays County continue to help the Trinity Aquifer by reducing their personal groundwater usage. If we do not receive enough rain, drought conditions may worsen to stage, Emergency, further reducing production limits for permittees.
If you are currently using groundwater for your business, in any fashion other than agricultural, you are required to have an operating permit with the District. Operating permit applications can be completed on the District’s website www.haysgroundwater.com under Forms.
Rick Broun
HTGCD, General Manager
Posted in