NASA satellites find Texas aquifers at record low

"People rely on groundwater, especially in times like this when it's dry, because groundwater provides a reserve of water when it doesn't rain. But we're in a deficit now. We're drawing down our bank account." -- NASA hydrologist Matthew Rodell

Nasa's twin GRACE satellites

Note: The recent rains have been a welcome relief but nowhere near the levels needed to fill the tank. As this report points out, we are now drawing on our water resource reserves. So-called "surpluses" may be a thing of the past.

Send your comments and news tips to roundup.editor@gmail.com, to the 'complete story' link, or click on the "comments" at the bottom of the story

By Ramit Plushnick-Masti
Associated Press / November 30, 2011

Read the complete story | See story from NASA's website

NASA/National Drought Mitigation Center

New groundwater and soil moisture drought indicator maps produced by NASA are available on the National Drought Mitigation Center's website. They currently show unusually low groundwater storage levels in Texas. The maps use an 11-division scale, with blues showing wetter-than-normal conditions and a yellow-to-red spectrum showing drier-than-normal conditions

HOUSTON—A historic drought has depleted Texas aquifers to lows rarely seen since 1948, and it could take months -- or even years -- for the groundwater supplies to fully recharge, scientists who study NASA satellite data said Wednesday.

Climatologists, hydrologists and even local residents had suspected the drought that has parched Texas for 14 months was significantly hurting the precious aquifers that course beneath the Lone Star State.

Data compiled by NASA satellites combined with information from the University of Nebraska's National Drought Mitigation Center confirm those fears."We can say with more confidence that yes, the groundwater storage is being reduced," said drought center climatologist Brian Fuchs.