David Mock, general manager of the Bandera County River Authority, urged conservation at the Bandera City Council’s April 28 meeting, warning drought conditions could worsen.
The discussion later turned into a debate between council members Tammy Morrow and Lynn Palmer over water use and swimming pools.
Mock provided an update on local drought conditions, noting the area had improved from severe to moderate status but warning the change may be temporary.
“This is a rosy interpretation of what we are looking at right now,” Mock said. “We are most likely going to slide right back in the other direction.”
He added that despite recent rainfall, local monitoring wells have not recovered.
“This drought is punishing, and it’s looking to be worse than the drought in the ’50s,” Mock said.
Mock also shared data on Medina Lake levels, which he described as “devastating.”
“[The main monitor well] is a steady drumbeat downward,” he said. “Eventually we will hit a wall here. I implore you all to start looking to the future and conserve as much as you can.”
At a previous meeting, Morrow suggested the city align its water restrictions with those of Bandera County, which she said were more effective. She also questioned the city’s decision to move from Stage 4 to Stage 2 restrictions.
“According to the ordinance, we have to maintain the criteria for three days before we go down to another stage,” Morrow said. “I think jumping from a four to a two is really drastic. Stage 2’s restrictions are basically nothing.”
Palmer revisited an earlier disagreement with Morrow regarding swimming pools, arguing that existing rules unfairly target pool owners.
“I am allowed to keep it at levels to be maintained because of evaporation,” Palmer said. “Tammy, I really feel like you’re targeting people that have inground pools.”
Palmer also suggested implementing a temporary moratorium on filling pools when the city reaches Stage 4 restrictions.
The discussion became contentious, with Palmer questioning Morrow’s personal water use.
“How do you brush your teeth?” Palmer asked. “I get my toothbrush wet, turn off the water, brush, then turn the water back on to rinse.”
Morrow responded that she brushes her teeth in the shower.
Following the discussion, Mayor Denise Griffin directed the city to return to Stage 3: Severe Water Conditions.
Council members Debbie Breen and Deanna McCabe again expressed frustration about not receiving agenda materials in advance of meetings, a responsibility assigned to interim City Administrator Jill Dickerson. Similar concerns have been raised previously.
The council also unanimously approved hiring Knight Office Solutions as the city’s new information technology provider, with Dickerson citing issues with the previous company.
The next council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. May 12.
BULLETIN PHOTO/ Veronica Rector
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