On March 17th the Brazos River Authority initiated Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan and is urging all of its water customers to do the same. There are a few circumstances which can trigger Stage 1 and all can be found by clicking here.
Shortly before March 17th the Palmer Hydrologic Drought Index (PHDI) fell below -2.4. In addition to the Palmer Hydrologic Index, the most recent forecast by the National Climate Prediction Center (ENSO) group also projects low precipitation probability for the coming months. At this time the Lake Stillhouse Hollow level is 3.4 feet below the normal conservation pool and the Lake Belton level is 3.4 feet below the normal conservation pool.
Please keep in mind that our water supplies are not limitless. We need to all do our part in using water wisely and only when necessary.