The National Weather Service website stated that as of Jan. 4, 24% of the Hill Country is in what is considered extreme drought conditions, which is the second to the worst drought designation category. Additionally, 20% of the Hill Country is in severe drought, which is a level below extreme. Aquifer levels reached the lowest point since the 1950s. Issues around groundwater usage and the limitations thereof have gotten contentious.
In 2022, officials at Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District issued a fine to Aqua Texas, a national utility company with a state branch, for pumping more water than the district’s permit allotted. Locally, Aqua Texas services water and wastewater to most of the northern half of the Wimberley Valley including the city of Woodcreek.
“Groundwater is the only source of drinking water for the majority of western Hays County — that's tens of thousands of residents,” the groundwater convservation district said in a written statement to the Daily Record. “Aqua Texas has not abided by its permit from the District and has failed to keep its infrastructure in shape, resulting in the ongoing overproduction of its permit. This is to the detriment of the citizens of Wimberley and Woodcreek, including Aqua's own customers, who do their best to conserve.”
