By Bill O'Neil
Could we see Stage V restrictions on the Edwards Aquifer this year?
Of course there had never been a Stage V restriction quialififcation--that is until this year.
Of course there had never been a Stage V restriction quialififcation--that is until this year.
"This was created as an emergency act under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan" said Terri Herbold with the Edwards Aquifer Authority. She told 550 KTSA News Stage V would kick in once the water in the pools fall below certain levels.
"If the San Antonio Pool falls below 625-feet on average for ten consecutive days, or the Uvalde Pool drops below 840-feet for ten consecutive days" Herbold said. If that does happen--there are automatic reductions in pumping that go in to effect.
"Whatever a permit holder's alloted amount is, they will be faced with cutting that by 44-percent" Herbold said.
"If the San Antonio Pool falls below 625-feet on average for ten consecutive days, or the Uvalde Pool drops below 840-feet for ten consecutive days" Herbold said. If that does happen--there are automatic reductions in pumping that go in to effect.
"Whatever a permit holder's alloted amount is, they will be faced with cutting that by 44-percent" Herbold said.
The new qualification is part of the habitat plan that allows control of the aquifer to remain in local hands. While the San Antonio Pool remains at Stage II. the Uvalde Pool is already below 840-feet--and is expected to enter Stage V March 28th.
