Brazos River Authority Issues Stage 1 Drought Watch for Local Reservoirs

Officials urge voluntary water conservation as dry conditions persist in Central Texas

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:56pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Brazos River Authority has declared a Stage 1 Drought Watch for nine of its eleven reservoirs in Central Texas, including Lakes Possum Kingdom, Whitney, Aquilla, and Belton. The alert is intended to raise awareness and encourage voluntary water conservation measures as the region enters a dry period, with officials warning that conditions could worsen if rainfall does not improve in the coming months.

Why it matters

The Brazos River Authority's drought declaration highlights the ongoing water supply challenges facing Central Texas, which has experienced record-low reservoir levels in recent years due to prolonged drought. The Stage 1 Drought Watch aims to proactively manage water resources and avoid more severe restrictions if the dry conditions persist.

The details

The Brazos River Authority, which serves as a wholesale water provider to cities and other customers throughout the basin, has implemented the first stage of its Drought Contingency Plan. This means the agency is asking its customers, which include municipalities that then treat and deliver water to residents, to voluntarily reduce water usage by at least 5%. Officials say the most effective way to cut back is by reducing outdoor watering, especially as usage typically increases during the warmer spring and summer months.

  • The Brazos River Authority issued the Stage 1 Drought Watch on March 31, 2026.
  • The region has experienced dry conditions and low reservoir levels since 2022, though the current situation is not as severe as the record-low levels seen from 2022 to 2024.

The players

Brazos River Authority

A wholesale water provider that supplies raw water to cities and other customers throughout the Brazos River basin in Central Texas.

Aaron Abel

Water Services Manager for the Brazos River Authority.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're a wholesale water provider of raw water to customers throughout the basin. Some of those customers who maintain contracts with us are required to have a Drought Contingency Plan as well, and they divert, treat water, and deliver it to end users. So they have to have their own Drought Contingency Plan in addition to our Drought Contingency Plan.”

— Aaron Abel, Water Services Manager, Brazos River Authority

“Conditions are dry, and everybody needs to be aware that, if we don't see any rainfall continuing into the spring and summer, conditions could worsen, as far as water supply and lake levels are concerned.”

— Aaron Abel, Water Services Manager, Brazos River Authority

What’s next

The Brazos River Authority says it is unsure how long the Stage 1 Drought Watch will remain in effect, but officials hope that rainfall in the coming weeks could improve conditions and allow them to lift the alert.

The takeaway

The Brazos River Authority's drought declaration underscores the ongoing water supply challenges facing Central Texas, which has experienced prolonged dry periods in recent years. The Stage 1 Drought Watch aims to proactively manage water resources and encourage voluntary conservation measures to avoid more severe restrictions if the dry conditions persist.