This month, Dr. Robert E. Mace explores academic publications on the topics of developing an analytical model to quantify the effects of groundwater overdraft on well performance, reviewing the status of major and historical springs across the state, and evaluating future water availability in Texas through the lens of a data-driven approach.
Sections
q&a+water: Kelly Keel
In this issue’s Q&A, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Todd Votteler, interviews Kelly Keel, who was named Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in December.
talk+water: Scott Wright
In this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with Scott Wright, Principal Engineer for the River Design Group, about the impact of dam removals in river restoration efforts.
talk+water: Shaina Shay
In this conversation, Texas+Water Editor-in-Chief Dr. Todd Votteler talks with the Owner and Editor of The Water Report, Shaina Shay. The Water Report is a monthly publication that provides detailed and timely coverage of the innovations and decisions shaping our water future.
outlook+water: Big improvements in drought east of I-35, El Niño on the way out (and La Niña in the fall), and last year was the warmest on record
Summary: The amount of the state under drought conditions (D1–D4) decreased from five weeks ago at 39% to 23% this week, with drought improvements across much of the state. El Niño conditions have a 90% chance of extending through the February-March-April season, giving way to neutral conditions in April-May-June and greater odds of La Niña conditions in the fall. Last year was the warmest on record for Texas, a full 3.5 F warmer than the long-term average.