Texas Drought

According to a recent article in AgriLife Today, 99% of Texas is in some type of drought condition and 75% of the state is in exceptional drought conditions. These drought conditions along with record breaking temperatures have placed a tremendous stress on water supplies throughout the state.

A typical family uses 60–80 gallons of water per person per day. Water is always precious, but it’s especially important to conserve water during a drought. There are many ways to avoid wasting water at home, in the lawn and garden and on the farm or ranch.

Drought Map

spacer Drought has cost Texas farmers and ranchers more than $7.62 billion, the steepest losses in the state’s history, according to a report released by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Crops and animals take extra care during a drought

spacer

Quick Tips As ponds dry up, be sure you have other water sources such as well water. Make sure your well pump is not turning on then off repeatedly. If it is, it may be “sucking air” due to low water tables. Turn it off and let it rest until the water table can rise. Dry grazinglands burn easily and should be protected with firebreaks. Livestock Dry cows need about 8 to 10 gallons of water daily. Cows in their last 3 months of pregnancy may drink up… Read More →

You can keep your yard alive without wasting water

spacer

Quick Tips Make sure your irrigation system is in good working order. Find any leaks and broken heads. Turn off automatic sprinkler settings. Irrigate based on plant stress or on-line tools. Don’t water lawns during heat of the day; water in early morning. Watch your landscape watering—don’t water sidewalks, driveways or streets, or let water run down the street. Use low volume drip or trickle irrigation for garden and bedding plants. Mulch shrubs and other plants to keep moisture in the soil longer. This also controls weeds that… Read More →

It’s easy to stop wasting water at home

spacer

Quick Tips A typical family uses 60–80 gallons of water per person per day. Check your water meter to monitor water use. Teach children to turn water faucets off quickly and tightly after each use. Report broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc., to the property owner, local authorities or your water management district. Inspect the plumbing system to see that there are no leaks. Repair leaky faucets; turn off taps tightly. It’s hot outside! Be sure your pets have fresh water each day. In… Read More →