Springflow rebounding after rains

With more rain in the forecast, the drenching the local area got when a tropical wave moved onshore last week has refueled the San Marcos Springs and the Edwards Aquifer.

The level of the Edwards Aquifer at the J-17 Index Well at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio stood at 671 feet above mean sea level (msl) on Wednesday, which is 10.5 msl above the historic September average of 660.5 feet msl.

On Sept. 19, 2017, the J-17 well measured 657.8; six months ago it was 663.5.

Regarding San Marcos Springs, the flow was 157 cubic feet per second (cfs) Wednesday. That’s still 7 cfs below the historic September average of 164 cfs. A year ago, the springs were flowing at 154 cfs and six months ago, 154.

Both the Edwards Aquifer Authority and the city of San Marcos have water use restrictions currently in effect. The city is under Stage 1 rules while the EAA is still under Stage 2 rules mandating that those who hold pumping rights curtail the amount of water they draw by 30 percent.

Meanwhile, rain is forecast to return to the area today with a 40 percent chance today and tonight. For Friday and Friday night, that chance jumps to 60 percent. There’s also a 60 percent chance on Saturday, easing to a 50 percent chance that night.

Rain chances remain into next week but are lowered, according to the National Weather Service.