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WIMBERLEY GUIDES
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Monitoring Drought Conditions for Wimberley, Texas and the Hill Country
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Water levels affect more than just recreational activities. Keeping an eye on the water in the Wimberley area is as easy as a click of the mouse...
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Water, or the lack of water, has become an increasing concern in the western United States. Central Texas is especially vulnerable during drought conditions and this status becomes more apparent as development in the area increases.
The Wimberley Valley owes most of its beauty and attraction to the presence of a few ancient water features, including the Blanco River and Jacob's Well. More importantly, both the permanent community and visitors rely on aquifer levels that provide water for life, with the exception of a few forward-looking people who have installed rainwater harvesting systems.
When abnormally dry conditions prevail for an extended time in central Texas, as happened for most of 2006 and all of early 2007, some experienced water observers see handwriting emerging on the wall. In areas south of Austin, such as Hays County where water supplies are tied to groundwater levels, water table issues directly affect quality of life. Dry wells and longterm effects of drought conditions on flora and fauna are just two disturbing trends.
Fires are another concern for the Wimberley area, especially during drought periods. The Texas Forest Service reported in 2006: "Texas is experiencing one of its worst wildfire seasons on record this year, with 19 lives lost since last fall, and Texas Forest Service responding to 1,873 fires for 1,343,914 acres since December 1, 2005."
Wimberley is blessed with much beauty and many natural resources. Sure, we love our hills, scenic views of rocky escarpments, fields of longhorns, shops and more. But the Blanco River, winding Hill Country creeks, and local attractions like Canyon Lake are significant reasons for most people in the Wimberley area to come or stay.
Perhaps it's because most of the supply of potable water is dependent upon the groundwater system feeding the Hill Country aquifers that Wimberley residents are often more sensitive to rainfall levels than some of our more metropolitan neighbors.
Drought conditions were extreme throughout 2006. In early 2007 drought conditions for our area were rated somewhere between severe and extreme...not an enviable position. Late spring and the first part of the summer of 2007 saw unusually large amounts of rainfall. Below are useful tools to assist you in monitoring where we stand concerning our most critical natural resource.
The system below assigns a drought index number ranging from 0 to 800 that accurately describes the amount of moisture that is missing. A rating of zero defines the point where there is no moisture deficiency and 800 is the maximum drought possible.
Even with a few fall rainy days, as of November 1, 2006, and our best bet for rain during the winter months, the Wimberley area had an index number of 400 to 500.
At 600, fires will burn to mineral soil. Stumps will burn to the end of underground roots and spotting will be a major problem. Fires will burn thorough the night and heavier fuels will actively burn and contribute to fire intensity.
1. Check out the burn conditions and disaster area map from the Texas Interagency Coordination Center, a cooperative effort of the Texas Forest Service, United States Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, National Park Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Although Wimberley is not currently under a burn ban, surrounding conditions can always be dangerous for wildfires. Outdoor burning should never be done without a permit and fire department notification. Click here to see the map...
2. See how to read the precipitation deficit map... click here.
3. Take a look at the drought index...click to view.
4. An interactive viewer for drought tracking in Wimberley and the state. Hours of fun! Click here...
Water conservation is easier to practice than many of us may think. Start at the community level by joining the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association.
On a personal level, click here for 37 great tips about where to begin to watch the water and save big bucks.
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