By KIM HILSENBECK
With the abundant rainfall in recent months — not to mention green grass and plentiful wildflowers — area residents may not be thinking about water conservation. In fact, local officials say the drought is over.
But a Texas summer is right around the corner.
Last year was the driest on record in Texas; most of the state was in a critical stage drought, which triggered severe cutbacks on water usage.
The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District says area water levels are back to a no drought stage, based on routine monitoring.
“Remember that in Texas we are either in a drought or between droughts, so it is important that we continue to conserve water as best as we can,” said Kyle City Manager Lanny Lambert at last Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
This marks a change in the city’s approach from last month when city leaders said they were not ready to back off mandatory conservation. However, even then the public works department indicated that could change depending on what the conservation district decided.
Lambert praised city crews and staff who ensured Kyle had sufficient water throughout the drought. He also applauded area residents and businesses for their diligence in following restrictions.
However, with warm temperatures and longer days are already here; Lambert said people still need to think about conservation.
“If drought conditions return, we might have to reinstate water restrictions,” Lambert said.
The city’s website has the most up to date information on water conservation for Kyle water utility customers: www.cityofkyle.com.
