As an unforgettable August comes to a close, Texas’ groundwater and surface water supplies continue to show the impacts of drought conditions and record-breaking heat.
The U.S. Drought Monitor's Aug. 22 report showed:
- 62.10% of Texas in severe drought conditions or worse
- 33.99% in extreme drought conditions or worse
- 11.67% in exceptional drought conditions.
Drought and extreme heat impact every part of the Texas communities and economies — agricultural production is stressed and requires more water, many municipal utilities must enact water restrictions, outdoor recreation and athletics for children require restrictions and safety precautions, river- and lake-based tourism is impacted, industries that require outdoor labor face intense conditions and safety concerns, and residents must grapple with higher utility bills.
As these impacts change and evolve, stay informed about the developing situation with the following news stories from around Texas:
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension district reporters around the state reported stressed livestock, drying stock ponds, decreased crop yields and more in the latest Crop and Weather Report.
- Wimberley’s renowned Blue Hole Regional Park has closed for swimming, and Wimberley Water Supply Corporation officials say groundwater levels are dropping at alarming rates, according to KUT Public Media.
- Extremely dry and hot conditions are causing older water mains to break in North Texas, said city of Fort Worth officials on WFAA.
- As Jacob’s Well has closed and hit its lowest level in decades, groundwater conservation district officials and local stakeholders discussed drying-up springs and Central Texas’ groundwater supply concerns with Inside Climate News.
- Medina Lake stakeholders shared a bleak look at the 5%-full reservoir, and Texas water experts talked about surface-water planning in the context of climate change impacts in the Texas Observer.
- As Texas weathers this drought, the Texas Water Development Board explains regional water planning and preparing for future droughts, and invites the public to participate in regional meetings that will inform the next State Water Plan.
The viewpoints in the above news articles are those of the authors, and shall not be construed to represent the views or policies of the Texas Water Resources Institute.
