Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District

07/30/2026

The Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District has lowered its drought stage from D-2 Severe Drought to D-1 Moderate Drought, effective July 30, 2026, following continued improvement in drought conditions across the District.

While recent rainfall 🌧️ has reduced drought intensity, groundwater levels remain near historic lows across much of the District. In many areas, groundwater pumping continues to exceed natural recharge rates, further limiting aquifer recovery.

Although mandatory groundwater use reductions are no longer in effect, water conservation remains one of the most effective ways to support aquifer recovery, protect groundwater resources and promote long-term sustainability. 💧🪨

For full details, please see the press release on our website at www.swtcgcd.org

07/02/2026

According to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor map released July 2, 2026 (map date June 30, 2026), more than half of the District has been classified at or below Severe Drought (D-2) for the fourth consecutive week, following more than four months during which a majority of the District was classified as Extreme Drought (D-3).

In accordance with District Rules, the District has reduced its drought stage from D3 Extreme Drought to D2 Severe Drought, effective immediately, following sustained improvement in drought conditions across the District.

Although conditions have improved since the District declared D-3 Extreme Drought on February 19, 2026, drought remains widespread throughout the District and groundwater levels continue to decline across much of the District. Continued water conservation is critical to protecting groundwater resources and supporting aquifer recovery. 💧🪨

For full details, please see the press release on our website at www.swtcgcd.org

06/10/2026

Are you or someone you know in the District interested in shaping the future of local groundwater resources? 💧

The District is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on its Board of Directors for an At-Large Director position. This is a unique opportunity to take an active role in shaping the future of local groundwater management in your community. ✨🌎

For full details, please see the press release at https://tinyurl.com/yucpjueb

Complete the Expression of Interest Form at https://forms.office.com/r/uFHvZA7csG

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Thank you!

05/15/2026

Despite the recent rains🌧️, the U.S. Drought Monitor map released on May 14, 2026 (map date: May 12, 2026) shows that 66% of the District is still classified as extreme drought (D3), with the remaining 34% classified as severe drought (D2).

This is the 18th consecutive week that more than 50% of the District has been classified as D3. The District Board of Directors declared D3 Extreme Drought Stage on February 19, 2026, based on drought severity in the District and surrounding counties, aquifer conditions, and other relevant factors.

03/23/2026

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor map released March 19, 2026 (map date: March 17, 2026), 66% of the District is classified as extreme drought (D3), with the remaining 34% classified as severe drought (D2).

This is the tenth consecutive week that more than 50% of the District has been classified as D3. The District Board of Directors declared D3 Extreme Drought Stage on February 19, 2026, based on drought severity in the District and surrounding counties, aquifer conditions, and other relevant factors. https://swtcgcd.com/district-map

03/17/2026

Please RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-rainwater-harvesting-tickets-1979758756735

We look forward to seeing you!

Curious about rainwater harvesting but don't know where to start? Don't worry, we've got you covered! 🌧️✔️

Join us for 'Introduction to Rainwater Harvesting'—a free event on Tuesday, April 28 from 1-2:30pm at Dripping Springs Presbyterian. You'll learn aquifer science 101 and what to consider when building out your own rainwater harvesting system (big or small).

Come early or stay late to talk to local rainwater harvesting retailers and groundwater conservation districts.

Register and learn more at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/introduction-to-rainwater-harvesting-tickets-1979758756735

A big thank you to our event partners!
💧Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District
💧Southwestern Travis County Groundwater Conservation District
💧Hill Country Alliance
💧Rainbees

03/11/2026

This year, March 8 – 14, 2026 is National Groundwater Awareness Week! 💧🪨

Groundwater is hidden beneath our feet, but it plays a vital role in our everyday lives.

In Texas, groundwater provides 57% of all freshwater used, supplies 72% of the water used by agriculture, and is a source of drinking water (from both public and private wells) for nearly seven million Texans. 🚰

Groundwater Awareness Week, led by the National Ground Water Association, highlights the importance of protecting the water we depend on but rarely see. Because what we can’t see still needs our care! ❤️

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03/02/2026

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor map released February 26, 2026 (map date: February 24, 2026), 66% of the District is classified as extreme drought (D3), with the remaining 34% classified as severe drought (D2).

This is the seventh consecutive week that more than 50% of the District has been classified as D3. The District Board of Directors declared D3 Extreme Drought Stage on February 19, 2026, based on drought severity in the District and surrounding counties, aquifer conditions, and other relevant factors.

02/24/2026

It's that time of the year! 🚰💧

SWTCGCD is excited to partner with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to offer well owners in our District low cost well water samples analysis with the "Well Informed" Texas Well Owner Network (TWON) Program.

This is your reminder to test, tend, and treat your well water systems.

Tests cost $15 each (cash or check), but the first 10 people to drop off a sample to our office on March 4th will get one free!

How to participate:
Well owners must drop off their sample at the District office located at 8656 W Highway 71, Building A, Suite 224, Austin, Texas 78735 on March 4th between 9:30AM - 12:30PM.

Please see the slide 2 for instructions on how to collect your water sample. Please use a clean sterile bottle when collecting your samples.

The District has a limited amount of test kits. Please email [email protected] or call the District office at (512) 276-2875 to confirm test kit availability and pickup.

Please join us on March 5th 1PM-2:30PM at the Wimberley Village Library to learn your well water results and well care tips!

If you cannot attend the presentation on March 5th, The District will email your results to you.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

02/23/2026

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor map released February 19, 2026 (map date: February 17, 2026), 53% of the District is classified as extreme drought (D3), with the remaining 47% classified as severe drought (D2).

This is the sixth consecutive week in which more than 50% of the District has been classified as D3. Based on these conditions and drought outlook, the District Board of Directors declared D3 Extreme Drought Stage at its February 19, 2026 meeting.

Check out the District's Interactive Map to see drought conditions in your area:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/2c4489a3c673497bab555a846f1c166e