One of the biggest challenges facing the southwestern US these days is water availability. I’m acutely aware of this just now since our home water supply is from a 20,000 gallon rainwater cistern and, with the 18 month drought that Texas has experienced, we’ve been bumping along on empty for about a year and forced to buy water by the tankerload. As an aside, our rainwater system was the best decision we made when we built the house – easy to install, super-cheap to run and easy to replenish in times of drought. If you disagree, take a look at how much it costs to redrill a well.
Our local reservoir, Lake Travis, is also showing serious signs of strain with its water level currently 53 feet below full. Many businesses around the lake are suffering from lack of visitors too since boat traffic has reduced dramatically – most of the slips are now 30 feet or so above the waterline.
On my flight to San Jose, it was evident that other reservoirs are also in dire need of replenishment. This shot shows one such reservoir, probably Lake Mead or Lake Powell, where the waterline is clearly well below the rim.
Excellent post Dave. I didn’t realize the situation was so dire. Beautiful shot as well.
Edith Levy´s last post ..Visit Rome – A Vintage Travel Poster
Thanks, Edith. Please keep your fingers crossed for lots of rain down here. About 20 inches would be good (though not all at once)!