April Watershed News
Topics:
Busy Times in Our Watershed | Art4Water Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition Opens May 7
Trinity Aquifer Desired Future Conditions | Two New Monitor Wells in the Jacobs Well GMZ
Blanco Water Reclamation Task Force Update | TCEQ Pristine Streams Rulemaking Denied
Bacteria Sampling of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River | Drought Conditions Return
Upcoming News and Recent Articles

Busy Times in Our Watershed
Spring has definitely sprung! The vibrant green is once again taking over the valley. It seems that projects that have been in planning phases for months (or years) have suddenly started to blossom and are becoming reality.

Wimberley ISD's Blue Hole Primary second graders will be participating in the Art4Water Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition by making their own water conservation and water awareness kites in the coming weeks. There are also several big issues that have popped up in our region: TCEQ Needmore Ranch Rock Crusher Air Permit, the 80-acre wildfire near Jacob's Well Elementary, and a 14 acre-foot per year Lower Trinity Groundwater Permit within the Jacob's Well Groundwater Management Zone. These emerging challenges coupled with the ongoing initiatives for Bacteria Sampling, Clean Rivers Program, Cypress Creek Project, Desired Future Conditions, and more make for busy times!

As I reflect on all that is showing up to challenge us here in the valley, I am encouraged by the collective impact of our incredible network of friends, colleagues, partners and supporters, and I am grateful for all we've accomplished together, and am always inspired by the power of connection and collaboration. I hope you enjoy the information in the pages of updates in this newsletter. More updates to follow... stay tuned.


For the love of water,
David Baker
Founder and Executive Director (and Artist in Residence)
Art4Water Sacred Springs Kite Exhibition

Over 30 artists and 50 artworks aim to raise awareness of our Texas Springs and the vital connection of water to life. The exhibition will transform the Austin Central Library into a colorful oasis and features work from across the US.

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
Trinity Aquifer Desired Future Conditions

In Texas, every 5 years the Texas Water Development Board, groundwater conservation districts, and stakeholders work through a planning process to establish a Desired Future Condition (DFC) for all the major aquifers in the state. DFCs for the...

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
Two New Monitor Wells for the Jacobs Well GMZ

In March and April, two new monitor wells were installed inside the Jacob's Well Groundwater Management Zone to better document groundwater conditions and aquifer dynamics. These are no ordinary wells. The Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation...

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
Protect Our Blanco - Blanco Water Reclamation Task Force

On March 8, 2022, the Blanco City Council voted to approve the Task Force recommendations and direct staff to negotiate a new TLAP permit with phased adoption of no discharge, with reference to the Protect Our Blanco sample guidelines. Blanco...

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
TCEQ Denies Pristine Streams Rulemaking Petition but......

From January 31 to March 30, over 1200 comments were submitted on the TCEQ Pristine Streams rule change petition. This had incredible effect on the Commissioners as they met on March 30th to hear public comments and take action on the petition....

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
Bacteria Sampling of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River

The Wimberley Water Advisory Group, a group of volunteers, has monitored both Cypress Creek and the Blanco River near Wimberley for E. Coli bacteria for decades. April results were below levels of concern for all sites despite low flows.

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
Drought Conditions Return

Middle Trinity spring flow in the Blanco River basin has been generally on the decline since November 2021, with only a small recharge event at the end of February. Drought conditions have returned. Jacob's Well spring,...

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
Upcoming Events and Recent News
Groundwater: Planning for the Future, April 12, Wimberley

2022 is the beginning of a new 5-year groundwater planning cycle. What does it all mean, and when it is best for you to have effective engagement in the process? Please join the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District and Hill Country...

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
Blanco River Songwriter Festival, May 7, 2022, Fischer

The overall experience at a Blanco River Songwriter Festival is pretty much laid-back Hill Country perfection. Curated by musicians themselves, the Songwriter Festival brings premier talent into an intimate setting for 11 hours of live music. The ...

Read more
wimberleywatershed.org
1-d-1 Wildlife Tax Valuation - Protecting Texas Today

The 1-d-1 Wildlife Tax Valuation is unique in what it offers. It helps protect our rural Texas lands from development, provides a tax incentive for landowner...

Read more
www.youtube.com
Is Texas Hill Country in danger of being 'loved to death'?

Deep in the heart of Texas, the traffic is backed up for almost a mile. It's a jarring sight for long-time residents of the Hill Country, a rural oasis of scrubby green hills, crystalline water, and bright white limestone west of Austin and San...

Read more
www.csmonitor.com
'Tipping point': Waters under fire in Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country has long been lauded as the Land of 1,100 Springs, but there's trouble brewing in those pristine waters. The area is growing at breakneck speed. More people are drawing water from a finite supply. More are putting...

Read more
www.expressnews.com
The Wimberley Valley Watershed Association is a 501c3 non-profit organization. In order to carry out our mission, we rely upon generous donations by people like you who care about protecting and preserving the natural beauty of the Hill Country. Your contributions are tax-deductible. 
Share WVWA's Newsletter with your Network