Weatherford Democrat

Local News

October 27, 2006

Drought recovery proves unpredictable

Christina Childs

A drought, as defined by dictionary.com, is an extended period of abnormally dry weather that causes water shortages and crop damage.

Parker County has become a model for those conditions, with dry yards and pastures yellowed and brittle taking center stage, and the water needed to revive them in high demand.

Recently, much needed rain has fallen across the region leading many to believe the worst is over, however, as of yesterday, the U.S. Drought Monitor still listed Parker County and the surrounding areas under extreme drought conditions.

Many cities implemented burn bans and water conservation measures in hopes of minimizing effects of the drought.

The City of Weatherford dusted off their drought contingency plan, implementing voluntary water conservation, while others like Aledo, instituted mandatory water restrictions.

“The aggressive steps we took and the cooperation of our residents enabled us to make it through the summer,” said Aledo Mayor Kit Marshall.

Marshall said she has always taken a proactive approach with the city’s water resources, which has enabled Aledo to overcome low water levels and water main breaks.

While Parker County struggled with well levels and aquifer issues, others across the state were also feeling the heat.

Many of Texas’ top revenue sources were dealt quite a blow from the conditions.

According to Texas Agricultural Extension Service economists, the current drought will draw $4.6 billion out of the Texas economy, $1.5 billion of those losses affecting Texas’ farmers and ranchers.

As the state moves into its third dry year, Texas A&M Associate Professor of Rangeland Ecology and Management Robert Knight said an end to the drought is something no one can predict.

“If somebody tells you they know when the drought will end, they’re probably lying,” Knight said. “Droughts usually go in cycles. Nevada has been in a 10-year drought. They think they’re finally coming out of it, but we’ll have to wait and see. As far as our drought, there’s really no idea when it will end.”

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