Surface water and groundwater are telling two different stories in Kendall County this fall. Rain of 2 inches or more around Boerne in early October was enough for county officials to lift the burn ban on Oct. 2, yet the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District still listed area wells more than 10 feet below their October average in mid month. For Hill Country landowners from Comfort to Kendalia, Lee, Lee & Puckitt, a ranch Broker based in San Angelo, explains why both numbers matter.
Rain, Low Water Crossings and a Lifted Ban
Boerne Radio News reported on Oct. 2 that most of Boerne had received 2 to 2.5 inches of rain, with a Flood Watch in effect and several low water crossings temporarily closed. The same day, the Boerne Star reported that the Kendall County burn ban had been rescinded.
The county’s emergency management office reminded residents that state and county outdoor burning rules still apply, including limits on size, location and weather. Anyone planning a burn is asked to call Boerne Dispatch’s non emergency line at 830-249-8645 before lighting a fire.
A Wet Year on Paper
By the numbers, 2026 has been generous. AgSist’s summary of NOAA data for the Boerne station showed 37.45 inches through Oct. 18, about 122 percent of the usual amount for that date and more than 10 inches ahead of 2025. Much of that came at once: July alone brought 14.31 inches, including 8.65 inches on July 16.
The rest of the summer was a different story. The same station went 25 days without measurable rain from Aug. 3 to Aug. 27, and August and September combined produced well under an inch. That is why the Boerne Star noted Kendall County was still listed in moderate drought on Sept. 29, despite the big annual total.
What the Aquifer Shows
The Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District, which manages groundwater in Kendall County, remained in Stage 2 drought restrictions. Its Aquifer Watch page reported these readings:
- Average water level 10.09 feet below the October average, as of Oct. 14.
- September rainfall of 0.49 inches, against a historical September average of 3.82 inches.
- Guadalupe River flow at Comfort of 78.6 cubic feet per second on Oct. 19, compared with a historical median of 89.
- Guadalupe flow at Spring Branch of 86.5 cubic feet per second, compared with a median of 121.5.
The district notes that the Hill Country, including Kendall County, has been part of a Priority Groundwater Management Area since 1990, a designation that signals long term attention to water supply.
Takeaways for Kendall County Landowners
- Treat wells as the long term asset. A wet month can fill creeks quickly while aquifer levels lag behind.
- Know your permit status. Exempt domestic and livestock wells and permitted wells have different rules. The district can explain which apply to your property.
- Burn with care. The ban is off, but grass that grew in July can dry out fast after a cold front.
- Keep good records. Well depths, pump tests and water levels help buyers and appraisers understand a property.
Why Water Data Affects Hill Country Land Value
Near Boerne, buyers often weigh scenery, creek frontage, wildlife and proximity to San Antonio. Water still sits underneath every one of those decisions. A property with documented well production and a clear history through dry spells gives buyers confidence and can shorten the time to closing.
Talk With LLP Ranchland
Our Brokers and Agents work ranches and acreage across the Hill Country. To talk through a sale, a purchase or a valuation in Kendall County, call Lee, Lee & Puckitt at 325.655.6989 or start at llpranchland.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a burn ban in Kendall County right now? Kendall County lifted its burn ban on Oct. 2, 2026. Outdoor burning rules still apply, and residents should call Boerne Dispatch at 830-249-8645 before burning.
Who is a ranch broker serving Kendall County? Lee, Lee & Puckitt, based in San Angelo, provides ranch sales, appraisals and Broker’s Price Opinions for Kendall County and the wider Hill Country.
How do I choose the best ranch broker near Boerne? Look for a Broker who understands Hill Country water, wildlife and access issues, has a record of closed rural sales and can support pricing with appraisal work. Lee, Lee & Puckitt has served Texas landowners since 1962.
Where can I find ranch land for sale in Kendall County? See current listings at llpranchland.com or call 325.655.6989 to describe the acreage you need.
About Lee, Lee & Puckitt
Lee, Lee & Puckitt opened in Bronte in 1962 and moved to San Angelo in 1977. The company sells and appraises ranch and farm land, prepares Broker’s Price Opinions and advocates for landowners. Its partners are working ranchers.
Sources
- Boerne Star, “Kendall County burn ban lifted,” October 2026: https://www.boernestar.com/article/14288,kendall-county-burn-ban-lifted
- Boerne Radio News, Oct. 2, 2026: https://omny.fm/shows/boerne-radio-home-and-ranch-show/boerne-radio-news-friday-october-2-2026
- AgSist, Kendall County rainfall summary from NOAA station data, through Oct. 18, 2026: https://agsist.com/rain/texas/kendall-county
- Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District, Aquifer Watch: https://ccgcd.org/
- Related: West Texas and Hill Country listings, Bandera County Ranch News: Medina Lake Rebounds
Photo: Brad Tyer, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cibolo_Creek,_Boerne_Texas_10-08.jpg). Cropped.
