During the fall of 2009, the State of Texas breathed a collective sigh of relief as rain began to ease nearly two years of record breaking drought conditions across the state.  We enjoyed wet spring and summer months throughout the Brazos basin, refilling our reservoirs and providing abundant drinking water supplies for our residents.

Unfortunately, the fall of 2010 has returned dry conditions throughout the state.  In September, about 23 percent of the state noted the beginning of the dry weather.  The end of the year finds more than 85 percent of the state reporting abnormally dry conditions.

What does this mean to you?  In the short term, drought conditions may mean nothing more than the need to water your lawn more often this spring.  In the long term, an extended drought means much more. 

Drought conditions prompt cities and counties to institute drought plans beginning with limited or designated outdoor watering schedules and cutbacks in the ability to fill swimming pools and water features.  As a drought extends, access to groundwater for rural residents could limit water use in their homes.  As we saw during the summer of 2009, lake levels begin to drop limiting recreational access to reservoirs.  Municipal access to water becomes a priority simply to fulfill the necessary functions of our daily lives such as cooking and bathing. 

Though these facts may be startling, with a little effort and a little common sense there are things you can do to help relieve the affects of drought in your area.  First and foremost is to begin changing the way you think about water.  According to the State Water Plan, water conservation is one of the most effective means of ensuring we all have enough water for the future.

Going into 2011, consider the ways that we use water. How often should you water your lawn?  Do you run the dish or cloths washer with full loads?  Should you consider replacing your homes old toilets with water efficient models or adding aerators to your shower and faucet heads?  Each of these changes will begin to conserve water for your community, but they will also save you a great deal of money on your monthly water bill. 

Like the Texans that have braved hundreds of years of extreme weather, we’ll all hope and pray for rain this spring.  If it doesn’t come and we begin to face a new year of drought, remember there is something you can do for yourself and your community.  Find a new perspective on water.  In Texas, every drop counts.