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Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District General Manager David Mauk speaks to Bandera City Council members.
Photo by Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
May 11, 2026
Bandera City Council revisits drought stage protocol; will discuss license plate recognition cameras
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
In a candid conversation about water conservation, Bandera City Council members revisited the city’s drought stages. Questioning a concurrent two-stage drop, from Stage 4 - critical water shortage to Stage 2 - moderate water shortage, Council Member Tammy Ott Morrow cited city ordinance that requires a three-day interval between stage changes.
“I was under the idea that we follow Bandera County,” Mayor Denise Griffin said.
As of April 23, the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District announced Stage 2 - moderate drought conservation, which allows permitted water users limited lawn irrigation. Watering considered non-essential and therefore prohibited includes washing hard-surfaced areas, such as sidewalks and driveways; washing buildings, except for imminent fire protection; and washing vehicles.
BCRAGD General Manager Dave Mauk cautioned council members that the stage drop was a “rosy interpretation.”
“Most likely, we will slide back. This just gave everybody a little breathing room. This drought is punishing,” Mauk said, adding he believes conditions could ultimately be worse than the 1950s drought of record, which spanned from 1949-1957. “We have June, July and August coming. This drought is chronic and long-term. Conserve as much as you can.”
A color-coded flag indicating the water conservation stage for city and ETJ residents and business owners will be displayed outside City Hall (Stage 1: green; Stage 2: blue; Stage 3: yellow; Stage 4: orange; Stage 5: red; Stage 6: black). To see more on the city’s current drought conditions, go to https://www.banderatx.gov/news-announcements/page/stage-2-moderate-water-shortage-conditions
In other business, at the request of Council Members Debbie Breen and DeAnna McCabe, council will discuss the Flock Safety license plate recognition cameras for possible action during their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12.
Other items requested by Breen for Tuesday night’s meeting include agenda matters and “conflict between council members and their duties, and elected officials and the interference to get information in a timely manner.”
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., at City Hall.
“I was under the idea that we follow Bandera County,” Mayor Denise Griffin said.
As of April 23, the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District announced Stage 2 - moderate drought conservation, which allows permitted water users limited lawn irrigation. Watering considered non-essential and therefore prohibited includes washing hard-surfaced areas, such as sidewalks and driveways; washing buildings, except for imminent fire protection; and washing vehicles.
BCRAGD General Manager Dave Mauk cautioned council members that the stage drop was a “rosy interpretation.”
“Most likely, we will slide back. This just gave everybody a little breathing room. This drought is punishing,” Mauk said, adding he believes conditions could ultimately be worse than the 1950s drought of record, which spanned from 1949-1957. “We have June, July and August coming. This drought is chronic and long-term. Conserve as much as you can.”
A color-coded flag indicating the water conservation stage for city and ETJ residents and business owners will be displayed outside City Hall (Stage 1: green; Stage 2: blue; Stage 3: yellow; Stage 4: orange; Stage 5: red; Stage 6: black). To see more on the city’s current drought conditions, go to https://www.banderatx.gov/news-announcements/page/stage-2-moderate-water-shortage-conditions
In other business, at the request of Council Members Debbie Breen and DeAnna McCabe, council will discuss the Flock Safety license plate recognition cameras for possible action during their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 12.
Other items requested by Breen for Tuesday night’s meeting include agenda matters and “conflict between council members and their duties, and elected officials and the interference to get information in a timely manner.”
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., at City Hall.