Water News

By Lee Sweeten, G.M. Real/Edwards Conservation Reclamation District

Since January 27, the area has received some much needed rain. The gauge on FM 335 south of HWY 41 showed a little over 2.4 inches and during that same period Barksdale received a little over 1.5 inches. While we do not have any official report from the Leakey and Rocksprings areas we understand that some areas around Rocksprings received over 3.5 inches and around Leakey area the rainfall totals varied from 1-3 inches as well. Whatever the amount it was greatly needed and sincerely appreciated and it will assist in recharging the local aquifers.

While it is still a couple of months away, we want to let everyone know that the District in conjunction with the Nueces River Authority is sponsoring/hosting a Riparian Workshop on Wednesday May 5th, 2010 at our office here in Camp Wood. The word riparian means “of the river” and riparian zones are flood plains or margins of channels, creeks, rivers and lakes. Riparian areas, which can be wetlands, are transition zones between upland areas and bodies of water. This program will allow you to understand the natural working of the riparian area and ways to protect and improve river and recharge functions.

The program will start at 8:00 AM and last till 4:00 PM with the afternoon session being a field trip to the Bullhead Creek. There is no cost for the program but seating is limited so sign up early to insure a spot. Registration: Register by contacting: Sky Lewey at Nueces River Authority, at (830) 278-6810 or email slewey@nueces-ra.org

LBG-Guyton just completed a study of the alluvium in Plateau Region Planning Area (Region J). This Region is composed of the following Counties Bandera, Edwards, Kerr, Kinney, Real and Val Verde. The report looks at the alluvial formations and aquifers within the various counties and gives estimates at the amount of water available for annual use. A draft version of that report is available via email from this office.

Even with the additional rains that we received over the last several days, the area is still in need of rain and the NOA site indicates that a significant portion of Edwards and Real County are still in the middle of a drought condition. Therefore, for now, we will remain in Drought Stage 3.

As always if you have a question about this article or other District activities, please contact our office at (830) 597- 3322 or email recrd@swtexas.net