‘Faucet got turned off’: Hill Country lakes, streams struggling as drought drags on

Paul Bertetti, the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s senior director for aquifer science research and modeling, said the drought is a long-term issue for the aquifer, which started the year with water levels about 30 feet below historical norms “We’ve been exceedingly dry,...

Hays groundwater district says water company overused 89M gallons in 2022, impacting Jacob’s Well zone

A groundwater district in Hays County said one Central Texas water provider overpumped nearly 90 million gallons of water in 2022, leading to “by far” the largest penalties for overuse in the district, which manages the Jacob’s Well zone. The Hays Trinity Groundwater...

Water resources at risk: Preserving open space in Comal County

The Texas Hill Country has long been revered for its scenic landscapes, pristine water resources, and the allure of a peaceful retreat. In fact, a survey conducted in the 1990s revealed that a staggering 80% of Texans expressed a desire to retire in this picturesque...

A Comal County ranch owner ponders selling his land, setting off another clash between property rights and environmental concerns

Facing a two-lane highway about 13 miles west of New Braunfels, a 546-acre ranch hugging the west fork of Dry Comal Creek has caused a stir in the community. Behind a small gate, hills dotted with live oaks and a few freely roaming horses can be seen. But neighbors...