By Amira Van Leeuwen

HAYS COUNTY — The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District (BSEACD) could declare a Stage 3 Critical Drought if drought conditions continue to worsen, but BSEACD remains optimistic.  

According to the district’s principal hydrogeologist, Brian Smith, BSEACD expects months of low rainfall. 

“We were kind of looking at maybe sometime in September, maybe late September,” Smith said. “[But] we might cross into the next stage of drought.&#...