AUSTIN, Texas —
While Central Texas is getting much-needed rain, it's not enough to move our area out of drought restrictions.
The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) is looking at changes that would trigger water restrictions a lot sooner.
The KVUE Defenders are monitoring water supply issues in our viewing area. Let's start with some good news.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, there are fewer areas in Texas experiencing drought conditions right now – only 59% – compared to 2023, when 78% of the state experienced some stage of drought conditions.
But the bad news is that Austin and other parts of Central Texas are still seeing "extreme" drought conditions, the second-most severe stage. Only "exceptional" drought is worse.
Due to prolonged drought conditions, the LCRA has proposed triggering stricter watering restrictions sooner. During the Water Operations Committee meeting on Tuesday, staff recommended a once-a-week watering schedule for all firm customers to go into effect this spring. Firm customers are cities like Austin, Cedar Park and Leander.
Last year, the LCRA called for Stage 2 drought restrictions in August, which the utility said was too late. Members said it makes better sense to call for restrictions ahead of summer when water usage is high.
At the same time, Executive Vice President of Water John Hofmann told board members most of the drinking water was being used for outdoor watering and that may need to change.
“On any given day, a full 60%, 70% and in some cases, even more than that, of the water going out the door of a water treatment plant is going out the door to head toward peoples' landscapes,” Hofmann said.
According to a study, LCRA staff said moving to a once-a-week watering schedule reduces annual water use by 7% to 12%. Staff also said adopting the restriction puts everyone on the same page. Right now, different cities can have different watering restrictions.
The LCRA is also considering banning the use of automatic sprinklers when the water supply is low.
These efforts come as the utility is trying to be more protective of our water supply because population growth and drought conditions continue.
The board is expected to act on the once-a-week watering schedule in February.