Five things to know about drought in the American West

Harsh and unrelenting. But also transformative? The dry conditions blanketing much of the American West are setting records nearly every week. Lakes Mead and Powell, the country’s largest reservoirs by capacity, dropped to new lows this year. The Great Salt Lake did,...

Hill Country peach crops behind schedule due to heat, drought

Peaches can be seen growing on trees throughout the Texas Hill Country, but they are ripening about 2 to 3 weeks behind schedule. The amount being harvested at places like Jenschke Orchards is far less than what was picked the last two seasons. “We are very...

Meet OSCAR and CLARA, the future of water management in Austin

Austin Water is unveiling an innovative blackwater system designed to set a course for the future of water management for new development in Austin. Located at the City of Austin’s Permitting and Development Center and known as OSCAR and CLARA, the project has...

Water levels decreasing at Lake Travis as record-breaking heat continues

Texas continues to see triple-digit temperatures, and some experts say it’s contributing to dropping lake levels. According to the Lower Colorado River Authority, water levels at Lake Travis near Austin are at a four-year low. “The higher temperatures lead to higher...

Intense drought conditions could make this summer one of the hottest in Texas history

With the state experiencing its most severe early summer drought conditions in nearly a decade, Texans are facing a wave of especially hot and dry weather that may kick off one of the state’s hottest summers on record, says Texas A&M University climate expert John...

Opinion: Texas needs private investment to vastly enhance its water supplies

At a time when Texas continues it’s massive population growth, yet is experiencing declining water supplies and persistent drought, it is apparent that water remains the limiting factor to maintaining and growing our vibrant Texas economy. Over the decade from 2010 to...