Drought plagues Barton Springs

AUSTIN (KXAN) - 2008's dry conditions continue to impact the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. With Barton Springs showing a flow of only 20 cubic feet per second, it is now at alarm drought stage. If the weather continues to remain dry through the end of November, the drought stage will become critical.

The BSEACD Board will meet Nov. 20 to declare a critical drought stage. This will impose greater restrictions on water consumption. Brian Hunt, aquifer science team leader, said it is very likely the springs will be declared to be in critical drought stage unless there is significant rain running through the creeks in the next couple of weeks. It is something that he said does not look likely.

Areas including South Austin and Hays county that are part of the BSEACD that will be required to reduce their water consumption by 30 percent. Washing cars and watering lawns will be restricted.