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BSEACD Newsletter + Drought Update

 

Little Bear Recharge Enhancement Project:
How it Impacts the District

 

Shay Hlavaty measuring water levels at what used to be an active quarry near Little Bear Creek.

 

Earlier this year, Austin City Council approved an innovative project to help recharge the Edwards Aquifer in the District’s territory and bolster Barton Springs flow. The Little Bear Recharge Enhancement Project will focus on diverting water from Little Bear Creek, located in southern Austin, in times of high flow and pushing it to a nearby former quarry.

 

This project will help boost groundwater levels in portions of the Edwards Aquifer. It will also protect discharge at Barton Springs, benefiting not only pool visitors but also the salamanders that rely on the water for habitat.

 

 

Drought Update

 

View of the Blanco River from the River Mountain Ranch neighborhood located in our Shared Territory.

 

Austin just experienced its warmest meteorological fall on record, which includes September, October, and November. Most of the rainfall took place in November and aquifer levels generally continued to decline amongst these dry and warm conditions. From January through November, the region received an average of 29.6 inches of rainfall, falling 4 inches short of the average for this period.

 

 

Neighborhood Well Visits

 

Justin Camp and Jacob Newton collect parameters of a well owner’s water on 11/20/24.

 

In November the District conducted Neighborhood Well Visits in the River Mountain Ranch neighborhood. This community is just east of Wimberley and located in our Shared Territory.

 

At the participating residences we:
– Measured pH, salinity, and the well’s depth to water
– Tested water for E. coli and coliform bacteria
– Provided informational District resources
– Answered any well owner questions

 

This was a great opportunity for the District to collect water level data points and connect with community members!

 

Holiday Office
Closure
The District office will be closed December 24-26 and also January 1. We hope you and your loved ones have a happy and safe holiday season!

 

Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is a groundwater conservation district tasked by the Texas legislature to work with well owners to conserve and manage the Edwards and Trinity aquifers and groundwater resources within its territory. The District covers 430 square miles in parts of Travis, Hays, and Caldwell counties; home to about 400,000 people.
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Water Saving Devices Rebate Program extended

Program Overview:

Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation continues our Water Saving Devices Rebate Program, aimed at encouraging residents to adopt water-efficient practices. This program offers financial incentives for installing approved water-saving devices in your home. The program will run from September 1, 2024 until March 31, 2025 or until all of the allocated money runs out.  By participating, you can help conserve water, reduce your utility bills, and support a sustainable community.

Eligible Devices:

Participants can receive rebates for the installation of the following water-saving devices:

  1. High-Efficiency Toilets (HETs):
    • Must use 1.28 gallons per flush or less.
    • Eligible for a rebate of $150 per toilet.
  2. Low-Flow Showerheads:
    • Must have a flow rate of 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) or less.
    • Eligible for a rebate of $35 per showerhead.
  3. Faucet Aerators:
    • Must have a flow rate of 1.5 GPM or less.
    • Eligible for a rebate of $20 per aerator.
  4. Dishwasher
    • Must be WaterSense certified
    • Eligible for a rebate of $175 per appliance.
  5. Washing Machine
    • Must be WaterSense certified
    • Eligible for a rebate of $175 per appliance.

Rebate Details:

  • The maximum rebate per household is $555.
  • Water-saving devices must be purchased and installed between 9-1-2024 and March 21,2025.
  • Rebates will be provided in the form of a credit on your monthly water bill.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the rebate program, participants must:

  • Be a residential customer of Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation.
  • Install new, approved water-saving devices (used or refurbished devices are not eligible).
  • Submit a completed rebate application along with proof of purchase (receipts) and installation (photos).
  • Applications must be submitted between 9-1-2024 and 03/31/2505.

Application Process:

  1. Purchase and Install:
    • Buy and install or have installed, approved water-saving devices from any retailer.
  2. Complete the Application:
  3. Submit Documentation:
    • Provide copies of purchase receipts and photos of installed devices.
    • Submit all documentation by mail, email, or in person at the Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation office.
  4. Rebate Approval:
    • Applications will be reviewed within 4-6 weeks of submission.
    • Approved rebates will be credited to your monthly water bill.

Program Administration:

This rebate program is administered by Professional General Management Services (PGMS) on behalf of Ruby Ranch Water Supply Corporation.

Program Benefits:

  • Financial Savings:
    • Reduce your water bills by installing efficient devices.
    • Receive rebates to help offset the initial cost of these devices.
  • Environmental Impact:
    • Conserve water resources and reduce the strain on our water supply.
    • Promote sustainable water use in the community.

Contact Information:

For more information about the Water Saving Devices Rebate Program, please contact PGMS:

  • Phone: (512) 894-3322
  • Email: customerservice@pgms.net
  • Website: https://pgms.net/
  • Office Address: 26550 Ranch Road 12, Suite 1, Dripping Springs, TX 78620-4903

Join us in our efforts to conserve water and build a sustainable future. Apply for the Water Saving Devices Rebate Program today!