Posted: Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:06 AM - 15,531 Readers

By: Andrew Chung

A lack of rain has put much of Central Texas in to a moderate to severe drought. That has had an impact on how much water Austin residents can use.
Vibrant bluebonnets in North Austin might make you wonder if there really is a drought. However, appearances can be deceiving.
 
In November of last year, Sometimes Island at Lake Travis was visible. Now it is late March and Sometimes Island is much more exposed. Grass is even growing. The water level at Lake Travis has dropped, thanks to our La Nina-induced drought.
 
At Bull Creek, the water levels are a little on the low side, but then again, the ongoing drought is nothing new. Last November, the water level at Bull Creek was a little higher, but today, it is visibly lower.
 
Despite the low water levels, Austin Water spokesperson Jill Mayfield is not too concerned.   Water restrictions that have been in effect since 2009 are still in place. That means watering is only allowed two days a week.
 
"We're pretty much in just a watch, ‘Let's keep our eye on it’ type of phase. We haven't had any kind of directive from the Lower Colorado River Authority," said Mayfield.
 
She says the restrictions would normally be lifted during the fall, but Austin Water decided to keep them in place. Mayfield expects the restrictions to remain for the time being.
 
"It seems like Austinites have adopted that very well, and have great landscapes with that, and are managing their landscapes appropriately, and we see a lot more people putting in more native landscapes or hardscapes which are permeable gravel or pathways," Mayfield said.
 
By saving water through these restrictions, Austin Water is confident the city, along with its lakes and streams, can handle the drought.
 
The drought has had an impact on the wildflowers, but there is hope. La Nina is weakening, and should continue to weaken over the next few months.
 
With a weakening La Nina, that could mean more rain, but rainfall tapers off during the summer, so there may not be much of a relief from this drought. We would have to see if rain increases this winter and next spring - but that would be more likely with a returning El Nino.