In a move best described as cautiously optimistic, the Lower Colorado River Authority is recommending Texas rice farmers be spared from the emergency water prohibition imposed upon them last year in the wake of our historical drought. That’s not to say we’re fully recovered from the crippling effects of the worst drought on record, but it certainly counts as good news for those who work hard to feed us.
While the LCRA’s recommendation is subject to change due to weather, the current consensus to maintain water use is based on Travis County being upgraded to “abnormally dry” from the throes of “exceptional drought” where it stood last year. Travis County is home to lakes Travis and Buchanan, the LCRA’s two main reservoirs for Central Texas. Those lakes are still less than half full, but they are in better shape today than they were last year. Still, it’s important to note the majority of Texas continues to experience some degree of drought.
The collective hope is for Texas to have a wet winter this year, but obviously, that remains to be seen. In the meantime, we can be thankful for the LCRA’s early recommendation to keep water flowing toward our rice farmers. For the full story, go here.
Click here and you can compare Texas’ current drought status with last year’s.
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| Oct 25, 2011 |
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| Oct 23, 2012 |
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