PHOTO: The Guadalupe River has been flowing at or above its normal level for 14 consecutive days.
The City of Victoria is no longer under drought conditions as defined by its drought contingency plan after recent rainfall upstream caused the Guadalupe River to rise above its normal level for 14 consecutive days.
The normal level is determined by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and varies depending on the time of year. When the Guadalupe River is above this level, the City can pump the full amount of water allowed under its TCEQ permit, which is more than enough to meet normal demand. Because of this, the City is terminating Stage One of the drought contingency plan.
The City has not had any mandatory water restrictions in place since Dec. 15, when the City lifted Stage II restrictions. The Stage One conservation measures were strictly voluntary.
Although drought conditions have ended, residents are encouraged to continue practicing commonsense water conservation measures, such as watering lawns in moderation. An inch of water, applied once per week, will keep most Texas grasses healthy.
To learn more about the City’s drought contingency plan, visit www.victoriatx.gov/droughtplan.