ROLE OF PUBLIC AWARENESS IN DROUGHT MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE BARTON SPRINGS SEGMENT OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER, TEXAS, 2007-2009

Karst aquifers serve as a water source for millions of people, yet the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of these aquifers poses a unique resource management challenge—especially during extreme drought. In central Texas over 65,000 people depend on the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer for water, and its iconic Barton Springs are habitat for endangered species. The mission of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is to preserve water in the aquifer for both human consumption and habitat for endangered species. From late 2007 through 2009 central Texas experienced a severe drought, receiving only about half the amount of average rainfall, which was equivalent in degree, although shorter in duration, to the drought of record in the 1950s. The rainfall deficit greatly reduced recharge to the aquifer, which was reflected in severe declines in water levels and low springflow at Barton Springs, threatening both water supply and endangered species. Given the difference between population and groundwater demand now and in the 1950s, many wells and residents were affected by the decline in water levels in the aquifer and flow at Barton Springs declined significantly. The District sustained an aggressive drought awareness campaign to educate and inform groundwater permittees and users about aquifer status, mandatory pumping limits, and the importance of conservation. Hydrologic data from Barton Springs and an index well were the primary indicators of drought. Communications with permittees and users included presentations to homeowner associations, the District website, email, the media, a direct-mail campaign, and neighborhood canvassing. The result was over 30% reduction in monthly pumping during the most severe stage of drought—exceeding the mandatory pumping curtailments. Science-based management and messaging proved essential in promoting conservation and extending water resources during drought.