What is drought?
Drought is a period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently long enough to cause a serious hydrological imbalance (source: American Meteorological Society). In simple terms, drought happens when rainfall is low for long enough that rivers, lakes, groundwater, and soils cannot fully recover.
Does drought matter in Region I?
Region I generally has reliable water supplies, but drought can still affect the region in several ways:
– Water Supplies
* Small creeks and springs (often first to show stress)
* Shallow wells
* Reservoir supplies
* Groundwater levels in local aquifers
– Water Quality (including algae and/or taste & odor issues)
– Water Use (primarily during hot, dry summer months)
Has Region I experienced historical droughts?
Region I has experienced major droughts in the past, including the droughts of the 1950s and 2011. These events reduced streamflows, stressed groundwater supplies, and affected agriculture and water systems. These historic droughts are why water providers plan for drought even in wetter parts of Texas.
How do we know when we are in a drought?
Drought is identified using multiple indicators:
– Recent rainfall
– Streamflow at local gauges
– Reservoir or river system conditions (see website: https://www.waterdatafortexas.org/reservoirs/climate/east-texas)
– Groundwater levels in monitored aquifers
No single measurement tells the whole story, so drought is tracked using several indicators together to provide a clearer picture of local conditions.
What is the status of drought conditions in my area?
Drought can be localized, with different conditions even within a county. You can view the current drought conditions for your county at:
https://www.waterdatafortexas.org/drought/drought-monitor
How is drought categorized in Region I?
The U.S. Drought Monitor uses five major categories, typically translated to the following in Region I:
D0 – Abnormally Dry
Conditions are drier than normal. Crops and pastures may grow more slowly, and planting can be delayed. If the area is recovering from drought, water levels may still be low, and vegetation may not be fully recovered.
D1 – Moderate Drought
Some crops and pastures may be stressed or damaged. Streams, reservoirs, or wells may be lower than usual. Minor water shortages may begin, and people may be asked to voluntarily conserve water.
D2 – Severe Drought
Crop and pasture losses are likely. Water shortages are common, and water-use restrictions are often put in place.
D3 – Extreme Drought
Major losses to crops and pastures occur. Water shortages are widespread, and strict water-use restrictions are common.
D4 – Exceptional Drought
Widespread and severe losses to crops and pastures occur. Water levels in reservoirs, streams, and wells are extremely low, creating serious water emergencies.
How does my water provider manage drought?
Local water providers prepare for drought in two main ways:
– Developing additional supplies, such as groundwater, reuse, or system interconnections
– Reducing demand, including irrigation limits or other water demand reduction measures during dry periods
These measures are typically outlined in local drought contingency plans approved by state and regional agencies and help maintain reliable service during extended dry conditions.
How could drought affect me as a local resident?
Drought can reduce available water supplies and may affect water quality. Some residents may notice changes in well performance, water pressure, or taste and odor changes during dry periods. Water providers may also implement irrigation limits, drought surcharges, and other drought-related restrictions.
What can we do as residents?
Everyone can help by taking simple, practical steps:
– Reduce outdoor irrigation when possible
– Take shorter showers and run dishwashers or washing machines only with full loads
– Check for leaks around homes, barns, and service lines
– Follow guidance from your local water provider if conditions worsen
Small actions during dry periods help preserve water reliability for the entire community.
What is the drought outlook?
The drought outlook shows whether drought conditions are expected to improve, worsen, or stay the same over the coming weeks and months. These outlooks are based on weather patterns, seasonal forecasts, and climate data.
The latest national and regional drought outlooks are available from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center at:
https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/Drought/
Drought outlooks are not guarantees, but they help us prepare for possible future conditions.
How full are nearby reservoirs?
Check current lake and reservoir levels across Texas: https://www.waterdatafortexas.org/reservoirs/statewide
How are groundwater levels changing near me?
View groundwater trends by selecting a nearby monitoring well in the same aquifer: https://www.waterdatafortexas.org/groundwater
Any more questions?
If you have more questions, contact your local water provider or groundwater conservation district.