EAA Says Stage III Imminent -- Press release

Tue Jun 14 2011 05:33 PM

EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY REPORTS STAGE III RESTRICTIONS IMMINENT ACROSS REGION

SAN ANTONIO (June 14, 2011) – With little prospect for rain in the foreseeable future, additional reductions in pumping from the Edwards Aquifer appear to be imminent, according to information presented Tuesday to the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors during its monthly meeting. In a report to the board, Authority staff indicated that soaring temperatures and the continued lack of rain are likely to result in further drought-induced pumping restrictions for Edwards Aquifer users across the region.

A continuing trend of declining aquifer levels is expected to result in the Authority declaring Stage III of the region’s critical period management plan for the San Antonio Pool – including all of Medina and Bexar counties, and parts of Atascosa, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, and Caldwell counties – as early as June 20. Over the first 159 days of 2011, water level at the J-17 Index Well in Bexar County has dropped 28 feet. Additionally, for the first time in its history, the Authority could have to impose Stage II restrictions for the Uvalde Pool, which consists of Uvalde County. The Uvalde restrictions would be prompted when the 10-day average for groundwater levels in the J-27 Index Well in Uvalde drops below 850 feet above mean seal level, and could come as early as June 24, according to Authority staff projections.

Stage III for the San Antonio Pool would mean Edwards permit holders would have to reduce their pumping by 35 percent of their authorized annual amounts. Stage II for the Uvalde Pool would mean a five percent reduction for Edwards permit holders in Uvalde County. The intent behind the mandatory pumping reductions is to help stabilize aquifer and spring discharge levels until rain returns to the area and replenishes the aquifer. Through May, the Authority’s rain gauge network showed near-record-low rainfall amounts across the region, ranging from seven to 10 inches below the historical average for the first five months of the year.

In other action, the board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $7,166,712 for a construction and renovation project that would consolidate the Authority’s operations into one facility. The project, intended to improve the agency’s organizational efficiency, will be carried out by the design-build team of Bartlett Cocke L.P./Kell Muñoz Architects.

The Edwards Aquifer Authority manages, enhances, and protects the Edwards Aquifer, one of the major groundwater systems in Texas serving approximately 1.7 million people. More information on the Edwards Aquifer Authority is available at www.edwardsaquifer.org by calling 210-222-2204 or 1-800-292-1047.

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