Issues with Drought
Now one of the main problems that Lake Travis is facing right now is the affect the current drought is having on its water supply. The definition of a drought according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “a period of dryness especially when prolonged”. This is defiantly the case in not only Texas but the entire South West part of the country. The current drought Texas is facing, which has lasted five years, is considered to be one of the worst in history and there appears to be no end in sight.
Since 2008, Texas has been coming up short when it comes to yearly rainfall totals. In 2008 and 2011, the total rainfall was just over 16 inches. Compare those reading to the all-time average of 32.5 inches, and it is easy to see how dangerously low it is. Also, compared to the all-time maximum of 55.7 inches and all-time low of 9.9 inches, past few years have been closer to the minimum than the maximum. With that being said, 2010 and 2012 had rainfall amounts that were right around the average of 32.5 inches annually but since most of the rain fell during short powerful bursts and not gradually over the months, a lot of that water was lost to flooding. If it rains more than a couple inches at one time, the topography of Texas can’t handle that kind of pressure which causes flooding. This amount of rainfall directly impacts the Lake Travis water levels due to the fact that the Lake only gets recharged from rainwater. There are no natural springs or other rivers to refill the lake so it has to rely on rain water alone, which is why these numbers are so important. The rainfall data being analyzed was collected by NOAA and is Monthly/Annual/Average Precipitation recorded in Austin Bergstrom Airport from 1941 – 2013.
Since 2008, Texas has been coming up short when it comes to yearly rainfall totals. In 2008 and 2011, the total rainfall was just over 16 inches. Compare those reading to the all-time average of 32.5 inches, and it is easy to see how dangerously low it is. Also, compared to the all-time maximum of 55.7 inches and all-time low of 9.9 inches, past few years have been closer to the minimum than the maximum. With that being said, 2010 and 2012 had rainfall amounts that were right around the average of 32.5 inches annually but since most of the rain fell during short powerful bursts and not gradually over the months, a lot of that water was lost to flooding. If it rains more than a couple inches at one time, the topography of Texas can’t handle that kind of pressure which causes flooding. This amount of rainfall directly impacts the Lake Travis water levels due to the fact that the Lake only gets recharged from rainwater. There are no natural springs or other rivers to refill the lake so it has to rely on rain water alone, which is why these numbers are so important. The rainfall data being analyzed was collected by NOAA and is Monthly/Annual/Average Precipitation recorded in Austin Bergstrom Airport from 1941 – 2013.
The other essential part of the current drought in Texas involves the temperatures. In recent years, temperatures have been hitting extreme highs for extended periods of time. This past year in on June 26th, temperatures reached 117 degrees F in some parts of Texas which nearly broke the record. But it is the consistency of these hot occurrences that is really driving this drought home. In the summer months it is nearly above 100 degrees F every day which, at those temperatures, really takes a toll on the water supply in the reservoirs due to the accelerated evaporation rate. With the combined effects of higher temperatures and less rainfall, it is no wonder the water levels of Lake Travis are dropping.
Not all forces that are aiding in dropping the water levels of Lake Travis are directly drought related. In addition to the human impact that the City of Austin has on the lake, it should be noted that the Ash-Juniper tree is also a decisive factor. This tree is causing some major issues in this part of Texas due to its relationship with a local endangered species, the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and the effects it has on local water sources. The main reason it is such a danger to Lake Travis is because of how much water they can use. Since the entire landscape is almost completely covered by this tree, when it rains, only 70% of the water makes it past the thick canopy. Of that that makes it through the canopy, 50% is absorbed by the vegetation on the ground.
That leaves only 20% of the original 100% making it to the aquifer which is not a lot when the amount of rain falling is less than an inch. If these trees were removed from the recharge zones around Lake Travis, there would most likely be a visible difference in water level immediately.
Not all forces that are aiding in dropping the water levels of Lake Travis are directly drought related. In addition to the human impact that the City of Austin has on the lake, it should be noted that the Ash-Juniper tree is also a decisive factor. This tree is causing some major issues in this part of Texas due to its relationship with a local endangered species, the Golden-Cheeked Warbler and the effects it has on local water sources. The main reason it is such a danger to Lake Travis is because of how much water they can use. Since the entire landscape is almost completely covered by this tree, when it rains, only 70% of the water makes it past the thick canopy. Of that that makes it through the canopy, 50% is absorbed by the vegetation on the ground.
That leaves only 20% of the original 100% making it to the aquifer which is not a lot when the amount of rain falling is less than an inch. If these trees were removed from the recharge zones around Lake Travis, there would most likely be a visible difference in water level immediately.