Summary: The amount of the state under drought conditions (D1–D4) decreased from four weeks ago at 81% to 75% this week (with more improvements on the way).The winter projection shows normal temperatures and wetter-than-normal conditions for Texas, but drought conditions are expected to persist.
Sections
think+water: Adaptation and unhappiness due to Winter Storm Uri, cold-weather fish kills, and the importance of topsoil
In this issue, we explore academic publications on the topics of household adaptations to mitigate impacts from electric power and water outages in Texas, the relationship between fish mortalities and winter stress, and the impacts of vegetation and topsoil removal on soil erosion, soil moisture, and infiltration
outlook+water: Drought remains, wetter-than-normal conditions may be on the way, and the odds of a super El Niño
Summary: The amount of the state under drought conditions (D1–D4) increased slightly from five weeks ago at 79% to 81% this week, the seasonal projection suggests wetter-than-normal conditions are on the way, and the odds of a Super El Niño look slim, but the odds of a strong El Nino are at 71%.
q&a+water: Earthea Nance
In this issue’s Q&A, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Todd Votteler, interviews Dr. Earthea Nance, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator for Region 6 – South Central Region.
talk+water: Helen Dahlke
In this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler discusses managed aquifer recharge with Dr. Helen Dahlke, Associate Professor of Integrated Hydrologic Sciences at the University of California, Davis, and leader of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Water Strategic Initiative.