Kerrville enters Stage 3 drought restrictions

After a spectacularly hot May, including a record-setting high of 104 on Memorial Day, Kerrville is moving into Stage 3 drought restrictions, which implements guidelines for watering.

In a press release, the city said severe ongoing drought conditions and significant declines in Guadalupe River flows into Nimitz Lake led to the decision to start conservation measures starting at 12:01 a.m. on May 30.

Tuesday night’s thunderstorm dropped approximately an inch of rain, although some people said they received more than an inch. However, it’s far from enough to break the drought’s hold on Kerr County, which remains in one of the worst dry spells in the nation. The U.S. Drought Monitor shows at least half of Kerr County in severe drought conditions.

May is on track to be one of the hottest in recent years, with at least 11 days topping 90 degrees. The National Weather Service said we could expect some unsettled weather throughout the week.

Last year, the city entered Stage 3 conditions in June and Stage 4 in July. Headwaters Groundwater Conservation District is also in a Stage 3 drought restriction, which limits irrigation uses.  

Moving forward, here are a few of the top water conservation tips:

• Turn off the water when you are not actively using it.
• Check for leaking outside hose faucets.
• Leave floats in a pool during the day to minimize evaporation.
• Use your water efficiently by hand watering plants and lawn areas in need.
• Check sprinkler spray directions and make proper adjustments.
• Do not overwater lawns or potted plants.

For more information, please visit the Kerrville website at https://www.kerrvilletx.gov/ or call (830) 257-8000 for general water or Stage 3 questions.