Archive for the Environment Category
Study Examines Texas Response to Megadrought
Texas is known for being hot and it is known for droughts. As such, the state has undertaken water planning to sustain its water supplies, an example being Austin’s “Water Forward” water resource plan. However, these plans address conditions seen in the past, such as the worst drought recorded for the state which occurred in the 1950s and spanned six years. Due to climate change and rising temperatures, the risk of extreme droughts, or megadroughts, is expected to increase by the next century, rendering these plans inadequate. A megadrought an intense drought that lasts for decades or longer; Texas has experienced drought […]
Statewide Significant Drought Declared in Massachusetts
Following a month of unusually high temperatures in July and August paired with limited rainfall, Massachusetts state officials have declared a Level 2 drought for all regions, urging citizens to closely monitor and limit their water consumption. The Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary, Kathleen Theoharides, declared a “Level 2 – Significant Drought” in all of the state’s regions this past week, according to a joint statement from Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Drought Management Task Force, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. “The combination of three months of limited rainfall and well above normal temperatures through July and early August […]
Georgia Continues to Improve Water Usage Efficiency
For the past three decades, a battle between the states of Alabama, Florida and Georgia has been raging on over control of precious water resources in what has become known as the “tri-state water wars.” “Two years ago, the original Special Master on the case stated that the state of Georgia doesn’t monitor its water usage very well,”[1] said Laura Perry Johnson, associate dean for University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. “This year, that note was removed as the state now does an amazing job of tracking water usage.” Johnson said UGA Extension has strengthened its water resource education program by […]
The Yellowstone Fish Kill: Water Management Wake-Up Call
Water is, unquestionably, the earth’s most precious resource: it is necessary for life. It carries additional value for communities whose economy is driven by its water sources. In 2016, Park County, Montana faced a wake-up call when thousands of fish in the Yellowstone River died and prompted finger-pointing from both the agricultural and the recreational sides of the community. In a place where water is an integral player in the economy supporting both agriculture and a strong tourism industry, any circumstance that would affect the water would jeopardize the economic livelihood of the region. As is often the case, […]
Lake Okeechobee: Hero or Villain for the Caloosahatchee?
After the driest September on record, Lake Okeechobee is approaching levels not seen since 2011 when Florida experienced drought conditions that were the worst witnessed in a century. Regionally, Lake O. serves several key roles. First, it is an indicator for water conditions, and when it reaches certain levels, water restrictions are implemented. Second, it is an important water source for both agricultural irrigation and drinking water in the southern part of the state. Third, it serves as a source of water for the Caloosahatchee River and Estuary during dry periods with those water releases coordinated by the Army Corps […]