Stage 3 Exceptional Drought Notice

On September 11, 2025 the Barton Springs / Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) declared an Stage 3 Exceptional Drought.  Everyone must reduce water usage

 

With the Exceptional stage drought our permit will be reduced by an additional 23%.  When we exceed our allowable permit, we are assessed fines by BSEACD.

 

Water rates will increase with usage after October 17, 2025.  The following chart shows the rate increases from Critical to Exceptional stage drought:

 

The base rate is $45.00 and includes 2,000 gallons.

Usage in Gallons                  Cost Per 1,000 gallons
                                                      Critical      Exceptional
2,001 to 10,000                    $15.00        $20.00
10,001 to 15,000                  $25.00        $35.00
15,000 to 20,000                $35.00        $45.00
20,001 to 30,000                $40.00        $50.00
30,001 to 50,000                $45.00        $55.00
50,001 to 100,000              $50.00        $60.00
100,000 up                              $55.00        $65.00

 

Please make every effort to help us conserve water.  If you have any questions, please contact our office by calling (512) 894-3322 or email customerservice@pgms.net.

Stage 3 Exceptional Drought declared

From Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District:

After 39 straight months of drought, last week our Board of Directors declared Stage 3 Exceptional Drought (formerly known as Stage IV Exceptional Drought). This will take effect on October 1, 2025 and marks just the second time in the District’s 38-year history that Exceptional Drought has been reached. The first time was December 2023.

This declaration was triggered by the Lovelady monitor well. It reached a 10-day average of 457 feet mean sea level (ft-msl) on September 11, 2025, which is below the District’s Exceptional Drought threshold. The Lovelady well has been monitored since 1949 and serves as one of two key drought indicators for the District.

Entering Stage 3 Exceptional Drought requires significant pumping restrictions for District permittees beginning October 1, 2025. Permittees will be contacted directly by our staff with more information.

We strongly encourage community members, both within and beyond the District, to conserve water and help reduce the strain on surface and groundwater resources.

For more information, please visit the links provided below.

Press Release

Additional Drought Information and Resources

Thank you for your ongoing understanding, cooperation, and commitment to our community and shared resources.