We're accepting applications for scholarships that cover the cost of the five-day overnight Aquatic Science Adventure Camp with Texas State University! We have five scholarships available for kids ages 9-14. Please apply by February 28, 2025. You can view the full application in English and Spanish here:

Meet some of the locals along Barton Creek. 👋 From gorgeous grasses to long standing limestone, these natural features make up part of the recharge zone of the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer. It may be dry now, but heavy rainfall will transform this area into a roaring creek with some of the water descending underground into the aquifer. Take a stroll along the Barton Creek Greenbelt sometime so you, too, can get acquainted with our neighbors. ____ Neighbor 1: Live Oak Neighbor 2: Sculpture Falls Neighbor 3: Edwards limestone Neighbor 4: Inland sea oats

🖊An Ode to Barton Springs💦 The District protects water that fuels “The soul of Austin”—Barton Springs Pool. Aquifers hidden, deep below, Groundwater secrets, most don’t know. Out of reach, yet all around, A force that flows beneath the ground. Most never touch it, save for a sip, From the tap, where water slips. But in the springs, a gift so pure, 800,000 folks a year find the cure. To plunge, to swim in waters bright, Fed by springs that hold their might. 68 degrees and oh so clear, A gift from Earth we all hold dear. Straight from the Edwards Aquifer’s heart, The water flows, a perfect work of art. - Photo of Barton Springs by Matthew Guthrie

The @twdb is tasked with addressing the state’s water needs, which is a huge undertaking! This week they hosted their 2025 Water for Texas Conference, bringing together hundreds of water professionals from across the country. Engineers, municipalities, conservation districts, scientists, and more attended to network, learn, and discuss managing and protecting this precious resource in the Lone Star State. 💦 🤠 Our own board president, Vanessa Puig-Williams, spoke on a panel focused on ecosystem services bring value to the Texas economy and the state's communities. Thank you Texas Water Development Board for putting this event together and all that you do for Texas water! Shout out to the dozens of incredible speakers who participated in the panels.

The District is excited to announce we're offering scholarships so FIVE lucky students can attend the five-day overnight Aquatic Science Adventure Camp at Texas State University in San Marcos. If you know a kid who is: - 9-14 years old - Attends a school district that overlaps with our territory - Enthusiastic about science - Enjoys outdoor activities Please share this scholarship with them! The application deadline is Friday, February 28, 2025. View the full application form in English and Spanish at ______ El Distrito se complace en anunciar que estamos ofreciendo becas para que CINCO afortunados estudiantes puedan asistir al campamento de ciencias acuáticas de cinco días en la Universidad Estatal de Texas en San Marcos. Si conoces a un niño que: - Tenga entre 9 y 14 años - Asista a una escuela del distrito que se encuentre dentro de nuestro territorio - Esté entusiasmado con la ciencia - Disfrute de actividades al aire libre ¡Por favor, comparte esta beca con él o ella! La fecha límite para aplicar es el viernes 28 de febrero de 2025. Consulta el formulario de solicitud completo en inglés y español en

#FlashbackFriday! Sculpture Falls February 2024 ➡️ January 2025 This week last year the District received an average of six inches of much needed rainfall after a brutal summer. Onion Creek and Barton Creek, important sources of recharge for the Edwards Aquifer, were roaring with water. As a result of this precipitation, the District moved from Stage IV eventually up to Stage II Drought. This rain occurrence significantly impacted groundwater levels because it was several inches of precipitation, took place over several days, and covered a large portion of the District's recharge zone. Since the District is currently in Stage III Drought, we could use another rain event like this soon!

The District office will remain closed today in response to the weather. Our team will be available online, so please feel free to email us our staff directly or at bseacd@bseacd.org. We hope everyone is staying warm and safe today! ____ Photo looking downstream of Sculpture Falls in January 2025.

💧December Drought Update💧 It may come as a surprise, but 2024 was the hottest year on record in Austin with an average temperature of 72.8° F. This is a half degree hotter than 2023 -- the previous record holder. Last year the region received an average of 31.2 inches of rainfall, which is 5.1 inches below the typical annual average. The District remains in Stage III Critical Drought, but both Lovelady monitor well and Barton Springs are nearing their Stage IV thresholds. Check out the full drought update for more information. ____ Photo of a dry Sculpture Falls on the Barton Creek Greenbelt January 2025. This is in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.

Winter is finally here. 🥶 It's important to protect your well and pipes when temperatures are near, at, and below freezing. A busted pipe can waste tens of thousands of gallons and result in thousands of dollars of damage! Check out our article below for six quick tips to protect your home this week and ahead of future cold snaps. 👉

Join us on Thursday, January 9 at 5pm at our office for the next District Board Meeting. It's a great opportunity to meet our staff and board members and hear about the state of the aquifers and incoming permits. The community is always welcome to attend! The agenda will be available ahead of the meeting here: ____ Photo by Matthew Guthrie

Ever heard of a rain garden? Putting one in your yard can help it: 💧 Absorb more rainfall 🌱 Include native species 🌊 Reduce runoff and flooding issues 📈 Help recharge the aquifers Rain gardens create more permeable surfaces and allow water to soak into the ground. They're designed to be slightly depressed into the ground, which allows them to capture more water and let it slowly soak in. The native plants help hold the soil in place and filter out pollutants while also benefiting from the extra moisture. By reducing the amount of water that runs off, rain gardens help lower the risk of flooding and erosion in our communities. Want to learn more? Explore these helpful articles:

The District's office will be closed from December 24-26 for the holidays. Please contact us at bseacd@bseacd.org if needed. We hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday!

The Little Bear Recharge Enhancement Project will bolster Barton Springs flow. Once complete, this project will divert water from south Austin's Little Bear Creek in times of high flow and push it to a nearby former quarry. How can a quarry relate to groundwater and recharge? Read this article to find out! This project is the result of a partnership between several @austintexasgov departments, including @AustinWatershed , City of Austin Capital Delivery Services, and @AustinWater . ____ Photo of Shay Hlavaty measuring water depth at the quarry in 2023.

💧November Drought Update💧 Austin just experienced its warmest meteorological fall (September, October, and November) on record with an average temperature of 75.8°F. (This includes the daily highs and lows.) From January through November 2024, the region has received an average of 29.6 inches of rain, falling 4 inches short of the average for this time period. The District currently remains in Stage III drought. Check out the full drought update here:

The next District board meeting will take place next Thursday, December 12 at 5pm at our office in Manchaca. We'll discuss the drought stage, aquifer conditions, and submitted permit applications. The public is always welcome to join!

Water is for every Texan. Every Texan should be for water. Water is at the heart of everything we do and everything we love about Texas. From homes and industry to sipping and swimming, the crucial role water plays in our daily lives can’t be taken for granted. It’s truly the lifeblood of our state.⁠ #TexasRunsOnWater ____ Photo by Matthew Guthrie on Barton Creek

At the District we're incredibly grateful for the groundwater that sustains our community along with the springs, creeks, and rivers it feeds. Wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday! Our offices will be closed this Thursday and Friday so our team can rest and enjoy time with their loved ones.