Category: Environment
Level: Local
This article concerns potential policies that affect individuals and families
This article discusses the Central Texas drought and some of the long-term impacts it may have on lake levels and water availability.
My views:
The current drought is alarming and is about to be declared the worse drought on record. Our lakes (Buchannan and Travis) are only 33% full. Even though we've been receiving close to average amounts of rainfall for the past two years, it hasn't been enough to replenish the lakes. The water utility has stated that there is a possibility, albeit a bit unlikely, that the lakes could go dry in two or three years. We can't do much about the drought itself (well, not in the short-term anyway although I believe that reducing our carbon emissions and other pollution would help in the long-run), but we can be good stewards of the water we have left.
Austinites have already made big changes to the way they consume water, coming mostly in-line with what water utilities have asked of us. Unless we have abnormally heavy rain fall for the next two years, we should expect to see stronger restrictions soon. For the first time ever, indoor water use may be restricted and hand held watering may be banned. That's going to be tough for many to follow, but I fully support these measures. What I'll find the most difficult to work with is the handheld watering ban (as I love my vegetable garden). The knowledge that it may be completely restricted in the future, however, is motivating me to refine my water collection system. We can all do our part to conserve the water we have. It doesn't look like the situation will be improving any time soon.
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