Why is the water level along the San Marcos River low?

A city park in San Marcos has a platform where swimmers can gaze out over the San Marcos River as they prepare to jump off a concrete ledge. But these days there is much less to jump to. Indeed, the entire river can be waded, not up to the waist.

The river levels are so low according to its flow rate dropped to about half what they should be. A continued drought could further worsen the situation.

Texas Water Development Board last card shows more than half of the state in drought, and several Central Texas counties, including Hays and much of Travis, in severe drought.

“This has been going on for several years,” said Virginia Parker, executive director of the San Marcos River Foundation. “I think people saw the average amount of rain for the first half of the year and thought that would be enough to get back to normal.”

But this did not happen. Although some rain is forecast over the next two weeks, it will barely affect the drought debt. Parker said the drought in the region has been going on for so long that even the annual average rainfall will not be enough to catch up.

Enter San Marcos 3rd stage of drought limitation on Sunday to limit water use on the street to preserve the city’s water resources. Tyler Hjort, director of SMTX Utilities, said “every action counts.”

“Whether it’s limiting irrigation or adjusting daily water consumption habits, these measures are important,” Hjort said in a statement on Thursday. “It is imperative that we come together as a community to reduce water use and protect our precious resources.”

Parker provided some specific examples of conservation efforts she says will be critical in the next few years.

“Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, don’t use the sprinkler system, don’t water your lawn, choose a shower over a bath, make that shower shorter,” she said. “These are ways to conserve water that don’t cost property owners or residents money.”

For those who want to go a step further, water-efficient appliances and rainwater harvesting systems are long-term options, Parker said.

The TWDB predicts that the region will experience a warmer and drier winter as a result La Niña. Climate change is expected to emerge in November and generally bring drought and heat to the southern US

“We’re moving into drier conditions now given that we’re a few years behind,” Parker said. “It’s quite disturbing.”

She said the river’s water level could drop even further, and more extreme drought conditions are likely next summer.

“That’s when everybody uses the river (and when) farmers need water, when there’s no rain,” Parker said.

Despite the forecast of rains, the region is still experiencing drought. Governor Greg Abbott issued a declaration of natural disaster Oct. 14 for 143 counties, including Hays, Travis and Williamson, through increased risk of forest fires.

“Texans should take precautions, heed the guidance of state and local officials, and limit activities that could cause a spark,” Abbott said in statement.