Drought Impacts, July to September 2009

Prolonged severe and extreme drought in Texas continues to show its effects, in part by the number of impacts reported for the state. From July 1 through late September, 2009, the Drought Impact Reporter recorded 318 impacts for Texas. California, another large, populous state with ongoing drought, had 122 impacts. Others with more than 20 impacts included Wisconsin, with 25, and Minnesota, with 21.

Please note that the vast majority of impacts in Water/Energy relate to water supply. The next version of the Drought Impact Reporter will split them into two separate categories. The impacts listed below are examples of the type of information found in the Drought Impact Reporter, ranging from state-level economic analyses to individual farmer and rancher experiences. 

Texas
Agriculture: Drought in Texas has resulted in agricultural losses of approximately $3.6 billion already in 2009. Crop losses account for $2.6 billion; livestock losses amount to $974 million; and losses for goats, sheep, honey, and horses has reached $105 million. Texas AgriLife Extension Service, July 21

Water/Energy: Two hundred thirty of Texas’ water systems have mandatory water restrictions to encourage water conservation, while roughly sixty water systems are asking customers to voluntarily conserve as drought continues to deplete water resources. CBS News, July 26

A domestic well east of Austin went dry. It has never before gone dry during the decades that the present owner has resided there. Austin American-Statesman, Sept. 16

Environment: More trees than usual have been marked to be cut in San Antonio due to persistent drought stress. WOAI, Sept. 14

Fire: The governor of Texas announced that 167 counties were in a state of disaster due to the fire danger resulting from prolonged drought. Austin American-Statesman, July 16

Social: Ragweed has grown to two to three feet tall due to the lack of rainfall, whereas it would normally grow to six to eight feet tall. Pigweed is smaller than usual also, leading allergists to believe that the weed allergy season will be milder than normal. The dust mite population is thriving in the drought and will pose problems for those with dust allergies. Mix 96.1, Sept. 7

The low water level of Lake Travis is exposing more archaeological sites from Native Americans and early European settlers and the remnants of the Anderson Mill, which was constructed in 1859. More divers have been exploring the area recently to see the newly revealed treasures, but the Lower Colorado River Authority wants to remind everyone that it is illegal to take artifacts. KXAN, Sept. 9

Other: Farmers and ranchers in Texas who have lost livestock grazing due to drought or fire damage are eligible for federal assistance through the Livestock Forage Disaster Program. Beaumont Enterprise, Sept. 15

California
Agriculture: Loss of crops due to drought conditions. Grenada irrigation district was ordered by California Dept. of Water Resources to shut down its pumps on July 4, 2009. Our ranch was last irrigated on June 21, 2009. We have lost 2 cuttings of hay amounting to approximately 200 tons of hay. I would estimate that a value of $24,000 was lost in hay production. Also, we have already started to feed livestock, which is going to cost us another $10,000 extra for this year. Agricultural producer in Siskiyou County

Water/Energy: Two grants worth $58 million were awarded to California to ease water shortages in the state. The first grant amounts to $40 million to provide drought relief to the San Joaquin Valley, which has been impacted severely by the lack of irrigation water and unemployment. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is also offering $18 million to aid farmers, dairy owners, and resource conservation districts in achieving more efficient water use techniques. Fresno Bee, July 30

Environment: Wild pigs are causing problems for farmers in Fresno County as the animals encroach into orchards and vineyards to devour oranges, almonds, grapes, and vegetables and damage irrigation equipment. While the pigs normally live in the foothills, local experts think that the lack of rain has prompted the pigs to search for food and water in new areas. Fresno Bee, August 25

Fire: The governor of California is seeking more funds for firefighting through a fee on residential and commercial property insurance as the state endures a spate of wildfires that have been difficult to contain. Fire officials credit the higher expense of firefighting to drought conditions. KCBS, Sept. 10

Social: About 4000 farmers and activists held a rally to call attention to water shortages. The head of the Latino Water Coalition lead the march from Fresno City Hall to the federal building. San Diego Union-Tribune, June 30

Other: A contractor in San Diego County reported that his business has been receiving a greater number of calls for pool demolition-up to three to four daily-as drought, water restrictions, and the cost of maintaining a pool, among other considerations, drive homeowners to have their pool removed. Countywide, demolition businesses report an uptick of up to 30 percent in pool demolitions. San Diego Union-Tribune, July 26

Drought Impact Reporter online: http://droughtreporter.unl.edu

Back to DroughtScape Fall 2009