Texas water district nears historic 'Stage 4 Emergency' drought declaration

Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer warns groundwater levels are nearing historic lows

After nearly four years of drought, the aquifer that feeds Barton Springs and supplies drinking water to thousands is nearing historic lows.

Texas water district nears historic 'Stage 4 Emergency' drought declaration

The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District in Austin, Texas may soon declare a "Stage 4 Emergency Response Period" drought declaration due to historic low levels of groundwater in the area. The district has been in a continuous drought for 43 consecutive months, with no sign of relief, and nearly 100,000 people rely on the district for water supply across Travis and Hays counties. During a Stage 4 declaration, groundwater pumping w…