Severe Heat and Drought Force Texas into Water Conservation

Triple digit temperatures with scant rain are feeding an exceptionally severe drought in south central Texas this summer. The area has not seen significant moisture in over a year. Parched fields, cracked lawns, and wilted trees stand thirsty against unforgiving heat. Neighborhoods do not hum with the usual sound of lawnmowers as water levels shrink and rationing goes into effect in many counties.

According to the USDA, seventy-seven Texas counties are enduring the worst drought to hit the area in more than 50 years. Rainfall is 20 inches below normal in some areas as rivers and lakes are drying up.

Water Rationing and Conservation

Officials from more than 200 water systems in and around Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio have issued mandatory restrictions. Water waste hotlines have been set up for residents to report neighbors violating the restrictions. Still others are urging residents to cut back voluntarily on unnecessary usage as water levels steadily drop in lakes, rivers and wells.

The city of San Marcos is saving about 30,000 gallons of water a day by using recycled water for its road projects and pipeline construction.

Effects of Texas Drought

Severe weather conditions are affecting Texans in many ways. As crops fry, farmers are suffering losses while cattle ranchers are selling down their herds due to a lack of sufficient grazing. Ranchers also report that drought conditions will affect next year's calf production.

Tourism in the Lone Star State has dwindled due to limited boating and fishing. With deer and other wildlife encroaching civilization in search of scarce water and food, snake bite reports have increased and even with burn bans in effect, many folks fear wildfires. Still others complain of not being able to wash cars.

One 73 year old south Texas resident says, "I don't remember ever seeing it this dry. I'm afraid a lot of vegetation is going to die before it gets better."

Meteorologists Say El Nino May Bring Winter Rain to Texas

Indeed, it's been a rough year for Texans and some are wondering when and if it will let up. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center's meteorologists explain that El Niño, the cyclical warming of the sea surface along the equatorial Pacific, may eventually bring the coveted rain. After a period of cooler than normal sea surface temperatures, February 2009 brought significant warming over this area and the trend may continue to a peak in the fall or winter of 2009 with the system bringing increased precipitation.

In the meantime, Texans will keep a hopeful eye on the sky for a friendly cloud and look for even more ways to conserve that precious liquid - water.