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Storms Fail To End Ongoing Texas Drought

Burn Ban Map
Burn Ban Map

By Sam Baker, KERA Local Morning Edition Host

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-820409.mp3

Dallas, TX –

Storms across north Texas this week didn't end a months-long drought. Tom Harvey is a spokesman for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. He says Dallas-Fort Worth counties are among more than 100 out of 254-counties statewide now ranked as abnormally dry.

Harvey: There are about ten counties radiating from epicenter around San Antonio that are in exceptional drought, the worst of five categories. And there are dozens more that are in extreme drought.

As a result, 197-burn bans are in effect across Texas. Ongoing drought can lower reservoir levels and lessen the amount of water available for consumption and recreation. The state Legislature's addressing that issue, but Harvey says you also can help with conservation.

Harvey: About 50 percent of municipal water use can go to lawn watering in dry times. But instead of non-native turf lawns like coastal, bermuda and St. Augustine, native Texas plants are good-looking, drought resistant, use less water and cost less money.

Texas Parks and Wildlife produced a documentary on issues involving threats to water resources. Texas: The State of Flowing Water airs tonight at 8 on KERA television.

For more information on fire danger and advisories, see the Texas Forest Service Web site at:Tamu.edu

Send E-mail to Sam Baker

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