Oldtimers comparing present dryness to Drought of '50s

Conservation is truly our “ace in the hole” in a time of water shortage. It is possible to live quite well on much less water than we normally use

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A special report from Jack Hollon
Member, Board of Directors
Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District

As neighbors meet these days, talk often turns to water... or, rather, drought. Old timers are beginning to compare the present dryness with conditions in the 1950s drought, the Drought of Record.

The web site “U.S. Drought Monitor,” contains a map that shows (Jan. 20, 2009) over 70 percent of Texas in one of the five drought stages. About a dozen counties in the Hill Country define a sort of Bull’s Eye, centered neatly on Hays County and representing the most severe D4 Stage: Exceptional Drought. Areas of Extreme, Severe, and Moderate Drought radiate out from this area… toward Abnormally Dry.

The Board and Staff of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District urge all citizens in western Hays County to do their part in conserving scarce water resources. Elimination of most outdoor watering is requested; confine times of watering for special plants or garden to evening hours, to reduce evaporation; (rare) washing of vehicles with bucket and sponge only. Reduce shower time, and use the Marine Corps tested method: turn off the water while soaping or shampooing. Take care to do only full loads of washing or dishes.

These are some of the ways people can save (or are saving) water. Others include ingenious ways of using water for more than one task like taking dish water out to water a special plant, or using bath water to flush a commode.

Doing a careful job of detecting and repairing leaks is critical. Even a “small” leak can, over time, waste huge quantities of water.

Conservation is truly our “ace in the hole” in a time of water shortage. It is possible to live quite well on much less water than we normally use... a reassuring fact. (Note: many conservation-oriented rainwater users are doing well.)

Signs are being posted by the District as reminders concerning Drought and the need to Conserve Water. The goal is to achieve a 20 percent to 30 percent reduction in use. To those already doing these things we say “Thank you.” For the rest of us, “Time to pitch in.”

Expect more soon on drought planning by HTGCD, local water companies, and municipalities. The long-range weather outlook predicts more dry days ahead.

More information on the subject matter can be found at the “Drought” and “Conservation” links on the left side of our web site: www.haysgroundwater.com

Mr. Hollon represents the Wimberley Valley area on the board of directors of the Hays Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.