Drought in Texas Texas Division of Emergency Management Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Drought of Record The drought of Record occurred during the early 1950’s and lasted approximately six years

2011 2011 was the worst one-year drought period dating back to 1895

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NASA Terra MODIS August 29, 2010 MODIS telemetry received and processed by the MAGIC DBRS Center for Space Research, University of Texas Austin

Normalized Difference Vegetation Index NASA Terra MODIS August 29, 2011 MODIS telemetry received and processed by the MAGIC DBRS Center for Space Research, University of Texas Austin

Texas Division of Emergency Management The Drought Preparedness Council was authorized and established by the 76th legislature (HB- 2660) in 1999, subsequent to the establishment of the Drought Monitoring and Response Committee (75th legislature, SB-1). Established the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management as the state drought manager. Held the council responsible for the following Assessing and public reporting of drought monitoring and water supply conditions Advising the governor on significant drought conditions Recommending specific provisions for a drought related response Advise regional water planning groups on drought related issues Ensuring effective communication amount state local and federal agencies Reporting to the Legislature (Drought Biennial Report)

Drought Preparedness Council Agencies Texas Division of Emergency Management Texas Water Development Board Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Department of Agriculture Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Texas A&M Forest Service Texas Department of Transportation Texas Department of Economic Development Rep from the Texas Groundwater management association Public Utility Commission Electric Reliability Council of Texas

Crisis Management Focus has shifted to the prevention of cities running out of water Texas Agencies have adapted to meet the crisis Federal agencies have been apprised of the problem

Emergency Drinking Water Task Force Created under Annex A of the State of Texas Drought Hazard Annex Consists of the following agencies Texas Division of Emergency Management Texas Commission of Environmental Quality Texas Water Development Board Texas Department of Agriculture

2011 The Emergency Drinking Water Task Force (Task Force) was created in October 2011 to assist public water systems impacted by persistent drought conditions. The major goal of the Task Force is to assist these water systems in extending their current source of water or obtaining an alternate source of water (new wells, extend surface water intakes or interconnections with adjacent water systems).

Task Force The Task Force meets weekly to discuss the status of public water systems that may have less than 180 days of water remaining. Assist with identifying water related projects and funding options. Coordination with local and district emergency managers to raise situational awareness.

Task Force Conduct on-site technical assistance visits to facilitate drought related solutions.

Task Force Discuss treatment options for water projects and the approval process. Provide funding information for grants and low interest loans. Discuss state assistance capabilities when a water system can no longer produce drinking water.

Task Force The most important benefit is weekly communication between partner agencies and a clear understanding of their functions and capabilities.

Task Force

White River Lake

White River Lake

Millers Creek Reservoir

Questions? Alexander Hinz, TCEQ, (512) 239-4720 Mario Chapa, TDEM, (512) 424-5382