Central Texas is currently enduring a prolonged, severe drought. At the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, one of my key responsibilities is to inform permittees, well owners, and the general public about drought stages and the state of local aquifers. I achieve this by collaborating with media outlets statewide, writing informative articles, and capturing photographs of our team’s work along with the the diverse landscapes of our territory.

Sculpture Falls flowing with water | February 2024 | Shay Hlavaty

Justin Camp, Hydrogeologist Technician at the District, overlooking a monitoring site | August, 2023 | Shay Hlavaty

District staff testing water at the Barton Springs multiport monitoring well | April 2024 | Shay Hlavaty

Overlooking Barton Springs at sunrise | October 2024 | Shay Hlavaty

Bri Moore, Water Data Analyst at the District, measuring water levels | September 2024 | Shay Hlavaty

Jacobs Well with low water levels | June 2024 | Shay Hlavaty

Justin Camp measuring Barton Springs flow at "Barking Springs" in Austin | July 2023 | Shay Hlavaty

Drought Updates

Amongst drought conditions, I take the lead on creating and distributing the District’s monthly Drought Update to keep our community informed. These updates highlight key information about groundwater levels, aquifer conditions, and climate forecasts. Each piece is developed in close collaboration with the District’s Aquifer Science team to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Below are a few examples of these updates.

Press Releases and Resulting Media Coverage

At the time, 2023 was the District’s hottest year on record and also one of the driest. These conditions resulted in groundwater levels plummeting and the District descending into Stage IV Exceptional Drought for the first time in the organization’s history. Below are press releases and media coverage focused on the District’s drought determinants—Barton Springs flow and Lovelady monitor well groundwater levels—nearing, and ultimately falling below, the organization’s Stage IV threshold.

Press Release: District Foresees Unprecedented Transition to Stage IV Exceptional Drought -BSEACD, 7/21/2023