PHOTO: The Guadalupe River approaches moderate flood stage in Riverside Park on Jan. 25.
The City of Victoria is no longer under drought conditions as defined by its drought contingency plan after rainfall 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 its normal level, the City can pump the full amount of water allowed under its TCEQ permit, which is more than enough to meet demand.
Previously, the City lifted Stage III restrictions and returned to Stage II on Nov. 28, 2023, after the water level in the City’s primary reservoir rose to 52 feet above mean sea level for 14 consecutive days. Due to the high volume of rainfall, the City was able to skip Stage One and lift all remaining drought measures.
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.