Texas Drought Worsens, Aquifer Withdrawal Reductions Enacted

As drought patterns continue through most of the country, particularly impacting the Great Plains and Southwest, aquifers have suffered a noticeable decline in water levels. The Ogallala Aquifer, which provides drinking water for a large portion of the Great Plains, isn’t the only aquifer suffering.

In south-central Texas, the Edwards Aquifer has been cut by more than a third. Covering an area about 160 miles long from east to west and 80 miles from north to south, the aquifer supports the water needs of nearly 2 million people. The water level at a key indicator well reached the Stage 3 drought level in June, resulting in a 35% reduction in withdrawals.

And long-range forecasts don’t offer much optimism for an improvement in water levels. Drought is expected to continue for all but far-western Texas this winter.

Read more on drought conditions impacting Texas producers here.