District nears first ever ‘Emergency Response Period’ drought declaration. Learn More >>

About the District

The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (the District) was founded in 1987 by the Texas legislature. As a groundwater conservation district, we’re a local entity authorized by the state to work with well owners to protect aquifers and manage the use of groundwater throughout our territory.  

Drought Status

The District has declared Stage 3 Exceptional Drought, effective October 1, 2025. We have been in various levels of drought since July 2022. The District’s drought status is based on two determinants: Barton Springs flow and Lovelady monitor well groundwater levels, as seen on the right. With Texas Hill Country aquifers at severe lows, it’s essential for all community members in the District to meet their groundwater restrictions and continue to conserve this precious resource. 

District Drought Chart
District Drought Chart
12.4 cfs
10-day avg
454.3 msl
10-day avg
Last Updated: 1/28/26

Next Board Meeting

Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 5pm

The next meeting is a Regular Board Meeting, which is held on the second Thursday of each month unless otherwise noted. This meeting will take place at the District’s office, located at 1124 Regal Row, Austin, TX 78748.  Board Meetings will also be accessible virtually via Microsoft Teams.

What's New at the District

Drought updates, aquifer studies, upcoming events, and more

Message from the General Manager: February 2026

As we start a new year, I’d like to introduce myself as the new General Manager of the Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. Many of you know me from my long tenure as the (former) General Manager of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District in western

How Water Quality Protection Lands Safeguard Our Aquifer

Volunteers collecting seeds on a section of the Water Quality Protection Lands | October 2025 People associate clean air and water with broad expanses of natural landscape for a reason. Clean water and air begin

District Nears First Ever ‘Stage 4 Emergency Response Period’ Declaration

Photo of a dry Sculpture Falls on Barton Creek. This is one of the many creeks in the area that, when flowing, provide recharge to the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. The Barton

Request for Statement of Interest and Qualifications: Groundwater Modeling Services

The Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (District) is soliciting statements of interest and qualifications for assisting the District in submitting a grant application to the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) Groundwater Research, Science, and Data Collection Grant for Fiscal Year 2026. The grant application will propose to create