Water Conservation

News from the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District–

The District’s Water Conservation Period starts Monday, May 1st and extends through the end of September— the time when water use is at its peak.

Since January 2016, groundwater levels in the District have been above drought thresholds.  Recent wet weather has helped augment water supplies, but there is still a need to conserve water resources.  The last drought proved that surface water and groundwater resources are precious and limited.  Water conservation through the summer months can help us delay and/or avoid another drought situation.

Starting on May 1st, Austin Water Utility restricts outdoor watering to no more than twice per week, and the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District initiates a voluntary 10% reduction in groundwater pumping by its permittees.  Though the approaches are different, the goal is the same—prolong water availability throughout the hottest and driest portion of the year.

John Dupnik, Aquifer District General Manager notes, “Through being mindful of smart water use during the hot summer months, a little effort by individual end-users, when multiplied across central Texas, can do a great amount of good.”

“Our groundwater users are traditionally very conscious of water use.  Simple leak fixes and water conservation choices can add up to make a big difference in extending our long-term water supply,” states Robin Gary, Senior Public Information and Education Coordinator.

Water conservation strategies, rainwater harvesting information, water-wise landscaping ideas, and self irrigation audit guidance is available at www.bseacd.org/education/water-conservation/.

Backflow Prevention Device Testing and Certification Update

Approximately 30% of RRWSC service area customers have backflow prevention devices installed on their property. These devices are required to prevent contamination to our public water supply from sources on customer’s premises. The most common sources are swimming pools and irrigation systems but others are possible. When properly installed and maintained these devices prevent potentially contaminated water on customer’s premises from flowing back into our water distribution system and impacting the quality of their neighbor’s and the entire system’s water supply.

It is a state law and TCEQ regulation [TCEQ Rules 30 TAC Chapter 290.47(f)] that these devices be tested and certified annually by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester.

Since this is an annual requirement and due to logistical issues, PGMS will be putting all impacted customers on the same compliance timeline. Consequently, PGMS will be sending out letters on June 1, 2017 to our members with a backflow prevention device requesting they provide updated documentation that their backflow prevention device have been tested and certified to be in proper working order during the last year.

Please help us in this effort to protect the quality of our water.

Aquiter News from BSEACD

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Thursday, April 13, 2017

Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District
April 19:  Free Well Water Checkup

 

This year’s Well Water Checkup and Ask-An-Expert Open House will be on Wednesday, April 19, 2017.  Screening is available to the first 75 well owners in the District to come in, pre-register and pick up sampling supplies and instructions.  Sample supplies must be picked up by Tuesday, April 18. There are about 30 slots still available.  Come in to get supplies!

 

The USEPA recommends that private water wells should be tested annually for contaminants that can jeopardize the health of its users, especially vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.  Samples from private water wells will be screened for common contaminants, including fecal coliform bacteria, nitrates, and salinity.

 

You’ll be able to bring in your water sample for analysis on April 19; if you come between 11-1 you can talk with a well servicer, septic system expert, water quality expert, water quality lab manager, and District staff while you wait for your results.

 

BSEACD Scientific Presentations

 

District staff have made several presentations at conferences such as the South Central Geological Society Annual Meeting and the Gulf Coast Geological Society Annual Meeting.  These meetings allow for increased dialog that helps vet and extend research.

 

The published abstracts, papers, and several of the presentations are available online:

 

GROUNDWATER AVAILABILITY IN TEXAS: RULE OF CAPTURE AND SUSTAINABLE TO CONSENSUS YIELD

 

KARST: FROM SINKHOLES TO SPRINGS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN

 

District Scientific Reports webpage

 

Legislative Update

 

There are several other groundwater-related bills that have made the news:

 

 

Camp Scholarship Winners Announced

 

Each year the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, in collaboration with our permittees, offers scholarships for two different age groups.

 

Applicants were from 13 different schools in Austin, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Kyle, Mountain City, Buda, and Del Valle.  We’re proud to announce the 2017 camp scholarship winners:

  • Kaitlyn Wendt, Negley Elementary
  • Megan LaRochelle, Rooster Springs Elementary
  • Kennon Alvarado, UT Elementary
  • Casey Alvarado, UT Elementary
  • Lakota Patterson, Austin Classical Academy
  • Jasmine Morgan, Dahlstrom Middle School
  • Matthew Pasemann, Pace Academy
  • Sofia Diorio, Clayton Elementary
  • Hunter Halenza, Barton Middle School
  • Kyler Halenza, Pfluger Elementary School
  • Mia Abigail Smith, Austin Discovery School
  • Stephen Gatej, Mills Elementary
  • Jake Seale, Small Middle School

The District would like to thank Centex Materials, Creedmoor Water Supply, Texas Lehigh Cement Company, Goforth SUD, and Oak Forest for donating all or a portion of their Conservation Credits to the scholarship fund. The scholarship program would not be a success without these generous donations!  Thank you!!!

 

Groundwater to the Gulf:  A Summer Institute for Educators

 

 

Registration is now open for this summer’s Groundwater to the Gulf: Summer Institute for Educators!  Join us on June 13-15, 2017!  The Aquifer District, in collaboration with 12 other agencies, helps host this annual 3-day, field-trip-based, hands-on training.  Dip your hands into local water topics and try activities that help bring those topics back to your classroom.

 

Visit the Groundwater to the Gulf Registration page for more details including photos from years past, registration link, and partners and sponsor information.

 

 

Upcoming Events, Meetings, & Deadlines

Wed., Apr. 19:  Well Water Checkup (details)
Sat., Apr. 22:  Earth Day (details)
Thurs., Apr. 27:  BSEACD Board Meeting (details)
Mon., May 1:  Permittee Meter Readings Due (details)
Thurs., May 11:  BSEACD Board Meeting
Thurs., May  25:  BSEACD Board Meeting
Thurs., Jun. 1:  Permittee Meter Readings Due (details)
Thurs., Jun. 8:  BSEACD Board Meeting
Jun. 13-15:  Groundwater to the Gulf (details)
Thurs., Jun.  22:  BSEACD Board Meeting
Current Drought Stage:

NO DROUGHT

The District uses two drought triggers to manage pumping and coordinate conservation.

 

10-day avg flow:  107 cfs

 

 

Water level:  539 ft above msl

 

 

Published by bseacd.org – Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District

1124 Regal Row – Austin, TX 78748 – 512-282-8441

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