Montgomery County drought intensifies: Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District increases buffer

THE WOODLANDS, TX - Due to persistent high temperatures and a significant shortage of rainfall, 40.69% of Montgomery County is now under D4 Exceptional Drought conditions.

In light of the D3 Extreme Drought Conditions reported by the TWDB and U.S. Drought Monitor, the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District (LSGCD) Board of Directors convened for a Special Board of Director meeting on Monday, August 28. The board unanimously approved Resolution No. #23-006, which introduced a Temporary Drought Buffer for 2023.

Given the escalation to D4 Exceptional Drought status:

• The Temporary Drought Buffer has been increased to 15%, up from the original 10% set on August 28, 2023.
• This adjustment is automatically applied to the Annual Production Limitations for all permits and is effective retroactively from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.
• Permittees who utilize the Temporary Drought Buffer under Resolution #23-006, are still required to pay water use fees for additional water pumped over their Annual Production Limitations.
• Over-pumping beyond the permit’s annual allocation and the 15% Drought Buffer is a violation of District Rules. Any permit holder exceeding the Temporary Drought Buffer will face penalties as detailed in the District Rules.

LSGCD strongly recommends that all permit holders implement their drought contingency plans. This proactive approach will help prevent over-pumping and ensure sustainable water usage during the current severe drought conditions.

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