My water retention will change dramatically over the course of the day. In the morning, after peeing during the night and not drinking any water, I look the hardest. Then after drinking tons of water, due to my job, I will "soften" up. Perhaps that is a possible culprit. You're one pic was very good for very low subq water. Have you been checking at same time as when that pic was taken? Perhaps you have eased up a little on the diet since you declined from entering the contest and have gained a little fat? That's easy when you get low, <6% bf, to gain a little fat just from easing up on the diet. That condition takes a fair amount of discipline and hunger just to maintain.
I've maintained in that area for extended periods in the past, but it's a pain in the ass, and the joints will start to hurt from lack of fluid in them.