Water Availability in Texas
Texans are often thinking about the access to and availability of water. But in recent months, it’s been more plentiful.
Last week, the Texas Water Development Board announced that the portion of the state experiencing at least moderate drought had shrunk to its smallest since October 2021. Drought levels across Texas had been dropping since March, but the decrease was particularly accelerated by the Hill Country flooding in July.
The newest data this week shows a minor increase — 20% of the state’s land is experiencing some level of drought, up 1% from last week’s 19%. Only two other points during the last four years have had similarly low drought surface area, both last year at the beginning of February and the end of July.
Map of the state of Texas showing drought levels, ranging from “Abnormally Dry” in yellow to “Exceptional Drought” in dark red. Created with data from the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Courtesy of the Texas Water Development Board.
Drought Conditions in Texas
Mark Wentzel, the TWDB’s hydrologist who prepares the weekly reports, said that while there has been a statewide drought since 2021, “different parts of the state have been recovering at a different rate from that.”
North Texas and Dallas have slipped in and out of that drought multiple times over the years, but haven’t seen any water restrictions in recent months beyond the regular limitations.
In contrast, Wentzel said the Colorado River basin in Central Texas had a water supply 20% to 30% below normal until the July flooding. That area’s recovery was significant enough that Wentzel estimated it would take a year of drought to start seeing impacts again.
Recovery from Drought
While recovery from drought can sometimes be a slower process, Wentzel said it’s more common in Texas for drought abatement to arrive in the form of major flooding events like the ones the state saw this summer.
But for many counties along the U.S.-Mexico border, drought conditions remain severe. Pedro DiNezio, a professor of atmospheric and oceanic science at the University of Colorado’s Boulder campus, said that area of the state has seen occasional respite but has primarily been locked in drought for decades. Those conditions are likely to persist at least through the end of October, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor’s seasonal outlook.
Water Conservation
Wentzel said that, for the areas newly out of drought, he still recommends conserving water even if restrictions have been lifted. For landscaping, he recommended utilizing plants native to the Texas environment, as they’re adapted to survive on less water.
“It’s always drought somewhere in Texas,” he said.
Stay Informed
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Texas has been experiencing a statewide drought since 2021, recent months have seen a significant decrease in drought levels. However, it’s essential to continue conserving water, especially in areas that are newly out of drought. By utilizing plants native to the Texas environment and being mindful of water usage, we can help mitigate the effects of future droughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current drought level in Texas?
A: According to the latest data, 20% of the state’s land is experiencing some level of drought.
Q: How can I conserve water in my daily life?
A: You can conserve water by utilizing plants native to the Texas environment, fixing leaks, and being mindful of your water usage.
Q: Are there any areas in Texas that are still experiencing severe drought conditions?
A: Yes, many counties along the U.S.-Mexico border are still experiencing severe drought conditions, which are likely to persist at least through the end of October.
