As the heatwave and drought in Texas continues, the water level in the Frio River west of San Antonio is dwindling down to its rocky base.
The river’s flow in Concan, a community roughly 80 miles from Bexar County, has dropped to zero cubic feet per second, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At Garner State Park, which sits along three miles of the Frio River, visitors cannot enjoy tubing due to the low levels and can swim only in certain parts of the river.
“We’ve had a pretty steep drop off of water flow,” said Aaron Johnston, assistant superintendent of operations at Garner State Park. “Since last Tuesday, the water (flow) has dropped about a foot per cubic second. It’s pretty much a trickle.”
The main swimming area of the river at the park, which is connected to a dam, still has some water flowing through, so people can swim with water to about their chests. But that flow could also be in jeopardy in the next few weeks as drought conditions persist.
Garner State Park issued a park alert for the public to conserve water, citing extremely dry conditions and urging visitors to use water wisely and bring their own drinking water. The use of showers may also be limited.
Also, extremely low river flows can lead to stagnant pools of water, which can cause algae blooms or harmful bacteria, so people recreating should be careful in such areas of the Frio River. Next week, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct water testing in the Frio River to check for harmful bacteria and will publish its findings.
Nevertheless, Johnston said the park remains open for all other recreational use, such as hiking, camping and the summer dances at the park pavilion from 8:30 to 11 p.m.
“We’ll be open this summer, and there’s still lots to do,” Johnston said.
Elena Bruess writes for the Express-News through Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms. ReportforAmerica.org. elena.bruess@express-news.net
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June 25, 2022 at 12:04AM
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Frio River flow drops to zero as drought continues - San Antonio Express-News
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