Austin has been soaked and stirred over the last 48 hours, with an impressive mix of rain, changing water restrictions, and a watchful eye on water quality and groundwater. Let’s dive into everything you need to know right now about water in Austin.

As thunderstorms marched across Texas this weekend, Austin saw steady rain with totals reaching about 0.08 inches at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport between Friday night and Saturday morning, according to hourly weather reports. Saturday started cool at 63 degrees, warming up to 77 degrees by late afternoon. Winds picked up to speeds around 16 miles per hour, pushing the cloud cover overhead, while heavy rain, lightning, and even tornado threats kept forecasters on alert as severe storms passed through the southern plains, as reported by Watchers News.

Rainfall for the entire month of October in Austin typically ranges around 89 millimeters, or 3.5 inches, according to climate-data dot org. With the recent storms, ground conditions remain saturated, and rivers and creeks have swollen, easing concerns about drought that gripped the city just a few months ago.

Here’s the good news: Austin’s main reservoirs have been replenished in the past few weeks, prompting city officials to officially loosen drought-related water restrictions that had stretched on for nearly two years. According to the Austin Monitor, as of September 2, the city moved from Stage 2 drought restrictions to its baseline “conservation stage.” That means homeowners can now water lawns with automatic sprinkler systems once a week, but the window to do so has expanded from 7 PM to 10 AM. Hose-end sprinklers can be used twice a week, and drip irrigation remains allowed twice a week on assigned days. Still, conservation remains key, as the city wants everyone to keep using water wisely.

But while Austin’s water supply looks comfortable for now, there are whispers of longer-term challenges. Research from Governing Magazine shows most of Texas relies on groundwater, yet aquifers like Barton Springs Edwards have reportedly declared an exceptional drought for only the second time in history—an alert included in this month’s Water Cache newsletter. Rapid drops in groundwater levels have the district concerned, so keep in mind that water abundance above ground may not reflect what’s happening below. The city is also pushing alternatives like graywater recycling for irrigation, though rules around these systems can be strict in environmentally sensitive zones.

Drinking water in Austin continues to be reliably safe, with ongoing monitoring for contaminants and quality standards in line with federal regulations. TappWater reports that tap water generally meets safety benchmarks, though trace amounts of minerals and chlorine may be present. If you’re extra cautious, a simple carbon filter can give peace of mind.

Meanwhile, Austin Water has announced long-term plans to upgrade and enhance facilities, aiming to keep pace with the growing city and fluctuating climate. Future projects will bolster reliability, expand water recycling, and adapt infrastructure to withstand both drought and flood, according to CBS Austin.

In summary, Austin’s water story this weekend is one of relief, resilience, and cautious optimism. Reservoirs are refilled thanks to stormy skies, restrictions are easing, but water conservation and innovation remain front and center. So as you sip your coffee or water this morning, know your city is riding the wave and preparing for what comes next.

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