Drought

Feed supplies in northwest Colorado were short due to drought conditions last summer. The Prowers Journal (Lamar, Colo.), April 4, 2023

Very little dryland wheat remained In southeast Colorado amid drought despite several weather systems moving through the region. Winter wheat was primarily rated very poor to poor condition. Strong winds caused soil erosion, and dry conditions were producing fire concerns. The Prowers Journal (Lamar, Colo.), April 4, 2023 Winter wheat in southeast Colorado was starting to green up, but without moisture harvest outlook was bleak. The Prowers Journal (Lamar, Colo.), March 22, 2023

Topsoil and subsoil levels in Far West Texas ranged from very short to adequate. The south-central part of the region and into the higher elevations of the Davis Mountains experienced freezing temperatures and received up to 6 inches of snow. Temperatures this past week during the daytime were from the high 70s to low-80s, and nighttime temperatures were from mid-40s to mid-50s. Pasture conditions were good, but moisture conditions remained very low in some areas. The lower elevations needed rain to improve soil moisture and rangeland conditions. Growers were tilling to keep their ground from blowing. The average windspeed has been 5 mph above normal with three days averaging over 20 mph. All fields without cover crops and even some with cover crops were blown out. There was very limited moisture for the upcoming cotton season. Pre-watering continued but many growers were cutting back on acres to put more water on fewer acres. Corn planting began. Some new alfalfa fields were planted and being irrigated. Some alfalfa fields may experience some crust over which could potentially affect emergence. Irrigation continued for pecan orchards, and some bud break in a few orchards was reported. Overall pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to poor with a few areas reporting fair conditions. Pastures remained completely bare of all but brush. Livestock were mostly healthy, but producers were moving their stock around more often and spending more on feeding cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Counties in southeastern parts of Far West Texas experienced scattered thunderstorms with occasional drizzled rainfall for three days. The moisture should improve soil moisture levels and rangeland and pasture conditions. The rest of the district experienced a higher dewpoint, but no measurable rainfall was reported. A few windy days were reported. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were very short to adequate, though most areas were short on moisture. Most producers were preparing fields and drip irrigation lines for planting. Pre-irrigation continued for cotton fields in the Rio Grande Valley. Some alfalfa was planted. Most pecan orchards around El Paso were being irrigated with effluent water from the city while others used private wells or had not irrigated. Mesquite and trees in town were starting to bloom. Spring weeds were emerging. Reports indicate that snowpacks in Colorado and New Mexico may not be enough to bring water levels out of drought. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair, and supplemental livestock feeding continued. Livestock were in fair condition. Brush was becoming a problem for ranchers. Buzzard sightings were up. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Extremely windy conditions persisted in Far West Texas, bringing a high risk of wildfire. Gusts of 40-80 mph were reported. Temperatures were in the mid-60s to mid-70s during the day and mid-30s to mid-40s overnight. A small rain shower delivered trace amounts of precipitation. The rain was the first moisture in a month and brought the 2023 total to 0.33 of an inch. The wheat crop declined very rapidly, and only irrigated fields were expected to be harvested. Remaining wheat was approaching bunt stage and will be heading out in the next few weeks. Most field work was slowing down. Preplant irrigation increased for many growers. Producers may decrease acres so they can provide more water to planted crops. Some growers said they will not irrigate unless substantial moisture arrives soon. Corn and sorghum planting was scheduled to begin in the next few weeks. Pasture and rangeland conditions were dry and hard. Cattle numbers were extremely low and remained in poor to fair condition. Producers continued their supplemental feeding regimens. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023

Wheat, pasture and rangeland conditions in the South Plains were very poor to fair. Moisture ranged from very short to adequate. Extremely dry conditions continued across some counties. Producers were relying on irrigated wheat pasture and hay until grazing conditions improved. Irrigated wheat was improving as producers increased watering due to warmer temperatures. Several producers planted oats for grazing. Cattle were in fair condition. Many producers without irrigation were afraid they will be forced to plant dry. Others were still unsure what and when they will plant. Some producers started pre-irrigation ahead of planting. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 A few counties in the southwestern part of the South Plains received 0.25-1 inch of rain, but overall, soil moisture was very short to short. Winter wheat was in poor to fair condition. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 High winds dried out fields in the South Plains. Winter wheat needed moisture to make a crop. Alfalfa was beginning to green up. Many pastures were overgrazed this winter. Cattle producers were feeding hay and supplements. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 Trace amounts of rain fell, but high winds dried the topsoil. Heavy winds were in the forecast. Producers continued to prepare fields for warm-season crops and water the winter wheat. Crop fields, pastures, winter wheat and oats needed moisture. Cattle were in good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023

Soil moisture was very short to adequate in Central Texas. Conditions were windy and dry, and temperatures were mild. Wheat and oats were holding on. There were some reports of leaf rust and Hessian flies. Cotton planting was underway. Corn and sorghum were emerging extremely well. The light frost last week caused some concerns about potential crop losses, but many counties reported less than 1% of crops lost. Pecan and mesquite trees have started to bud and leaf out. Stock tank levels continued to drop with the lack of rainfall. Producers were spraying weeds and fertilizing in hay fields. Pastures were greening up with some summer grasses coming out of dormancy. Warmer conditions and improving pastures resulted in higher prices in the calf market, but supplemental feeding continued. Overall, rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to fair. Livestock were in fair to good condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Dry conditions persisted in some parts of Central Texas while most areas received scattered rains ranging from trace amounts to 1.5 inches. Soil moisture levels were short to adequate. Additional moisture was still needed to fill stock tanks. Pastures were improving and starting to green up, with a notable emergence of broadleaf weeds. Warm-season grasses were emerging as temperatures warmed. Coastal fields were breaking dormancy with warming soil temperatures. Ornamental and shade trees started to bud. Trees stressed by drought have yet to break bud and bloom. Winter wheat looked good, and grain wheat was looking better than it has in two years. Corn silage planting was past the halfway point but slowed due to intermittent rains. Growers were expecting three to four good days of planting before the next cold front brings additional rain. Plantings should be very close to completion before the rains. Cattle were turned out into oat fields, and supplemental feeding continued. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor to fair, and livestock conditions were fair. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Soil moisture in Central Texas was very short to adequate. Pastures were starting to green up with warmer temperatures, but growth was mostly weeds. Soil temperatures began to rise, but Bermuda grass remained dormant. Producers were top dressing oat and wheat fields and planting corn. Runoff from recent rains improved stock tanks, but water levels were still very low. Calving season began. Rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to good. Supplemental feeding was still necessary for livestock. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 Some moisture was received in Central Texas, followed by very high winds. Soil moisture was mostly adequate. Overall rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. Livestock were in fair condition and received heavy rations of supplemental feed. Producers were preparing for spring planting with some already planting corn. Wheat and oats were in fair condition after the recent moisture. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023 Most of Central Texas received 0.5-1.5 inches of rain. Recent precipitation improved soil moisture, but pastures were still in poor condition due to the hard freeze and drought. Livestock were receiving heavy supplemental rations. Hay supplies were extremely low. Wheat and oat conditions were improving. The moisture should help the upcoming corn plantings. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb 14, 2023

Conditions were improving overall in the Rolling Plains, but some areas remained very dry. Some areas received up to 2 inches of rainfall, but some storms did produce large hail. Soil moisture levels were in good shape in some areas headed into spring, but blowing sand was a problem for some cotton farmers. Light freezes occurred, but no damage to the fruit crops were reported. Peach trees were at 50%-75% in-bloom stage. Wheat and oats were being heavily grazed. Winter wheat continued to look very poor in drier areas and good to excellent in areas with moisture with some armyworms and aphids reported in fields. Pastures looked very good and were greening up nicely. Cool-season grasses were taking off and warm-season forages were beginning to break dormancy. Stocker cattle appeared to be in very good condition with plenty of wheat to graze. Livestock diets were being supplemented in some areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Many parts of the Rolling Plains received scattered heavy rains that delivered up to 4 inches, while other areas received only trace amounts. Most areas reported needing more rain. Wheat conditions were poor to excellent. Most stocker cattle remained on wheat fields and other winter forage annuals, with good grazing reported in most areas. Supplemental feeding of cattle continued in many areas. Cattle looked “rough,” according to one report and fair to good in most areas. Water levels in tanks were improving. Rangeland and pasture conditions should improve following rains. Winter wheat received much-needed moisture. Farmers started to list wheat fields to prepare them for cotton. Corn and sorghum fields were ready to plant. Fruit trees were starting to bloom. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Light rain was reported in some parts of the Rolling Plains. Rain amounts ranged from a trace up to 2 inches. Soil moisture was improving in parts of the district, but many areas remained very short to short. Wildfire danger remained a concern in many areas. Winter wheat was starting to grow, and most fertilized fields with adequate moisture looked good to excellent and should be grazed soon. Some wheat fields were in poor condition or showing moisture stress. Producers were top-dressing wheat fields. Some other fieldwork occurred where there was adequate moisture. Rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. Ranchers continued to feed cattle hay and supplements. Some water tanks caught runoff water. Most herds had been culled deeper than usual. Producers applied preemergent herbicides to pastures. Soil erosion due to drought and high winds was reported. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 A round of rain moved through the Rolling Plains, providing trace amounts up to more than 1 inch of moisture to parts of the district. Wheat was starting to grow with some warmer temperatures, but grass and pastures remained dormant. Wheat conditions were poor to fair but improving. There was very little farming activity. Cattle were being fed cake and minerals, and some were being turned out on wheat pastures. Cattle were looking better and chasing green winter grasses. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023 Some parts of the Rolling Plains received additional rains with some counties reporting up to 1.5 inches. Wheat continued to improve with the recent moisture, but more precipitation will be needed to continue the progress. Rangeland and pasture conditions were improving and warmer days in the forecast should help. Wheat conditions improved dramatically in some areas, especially in fields fertilized before the rains. Winter supplemental feeding continued for livestock, but some producers were grazing wheat. Pasture grasses were also perking up following the moisture improvements. Hay was in short supply. Cattle body conditions were fair, but heavy rations of feed were needed to maintain their condition. Cows nursing calves were showing body condition declines. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb 14, 2023

A recent cold front in the Coastal Bend dropped temperatures into the 40s in some areas. Some areas received as much as 1 inch of rainfall. The rain was helpful, and improved soil moisture levels, but topsoil conditions remained dry in most areas. Windy conditions blew a lot of soil in corn and sorghum fields. Rain during the previous week was followed by some cotton planting. Wheat was maturing but appeared to be short and stressed due to lack of moisture. Rice fields were planted, and up to 30% complete in some areas. Corn planting was complete, and plants were emerging. Forage producers were controlling weeds in their fields. Warm-season perennial pasture grasses continued to green up but needed more moisture to encourage growth. Pasture conditions continued to suffer and desperately need a rain event. Hay was still in short supply and in the $100 per bale range. Livestock were finding good green growth to consume if pastures were not overgrazed. Local cattle prices remained at historic highs. Smaller inventories were leading to sell-offs of mature cows. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Planters were active amid warmer, drier conditions. Lack of soil moisture was becoming a problem for crop fields and pastures after starting the year in great shape. Soil moisture levels declined quickly with the 80-plus-degree sunny days and moderate wind. Most cotton producers were waiting for moisture to plant. Most corn planting was complete, and fields were emerging. Some fields were showing good stands and were reaching the V3 and V5 growth stages. Sorghum plantings were completed in most areas. Concerns regarding a lack of moisture were delaying sorghum planting in some areas. Rice planting continued and was advancing quickly. Hay continued to be in high demand and in short supply. Cattle prices remained steady to above average at most markets, while one county had historically high cattle prices. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Topsoil moisture throughout the district decreased significantly due to warmer, windy weather. Subsoil moisture levels were short in some areas but remained too wet to plant in other areas. Corn and grain sorghum were planted as moisture allowed. Most pastures continued to see new growth of grasses and clover as temperatures and sunny days increased. As a result, hay consumption slowed. Livestock producers continued supplementing protein and limited hay. Some spring calves were born, and livestock remained in good condition. Cattle prices were steady to above average for this time of year. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 The soil dried out rapidly due to the warmer conditions and drier weather in the Coastal Bend. A few areas still had water standing in the fields. Fieldwork increased given the drier conditions. Producers began planting corn and grain sorghum or fertilizing fields to prepare for planting. Rangeland and pasture conditions improved. Grass growth was expected to pick up with warmer temperatures and good moisture. Livestock producers continued supplementing animal diets with hay and protein, but feedings were tapering off as grazing conditions improved. Livestock remained in good condition, and some cows were starting to calve. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023 Most of Coastal Bend received rainfall, which ranged from drizzle to heavy rains. Soils remained saturated with good subsoil moisture. Pastures remained mostly dormant, and livestock producers fed hay and protein. Extra supplemental feeding was still necessary as hay remained in short supply. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb 14, 2023

Subsoil and topsoil conditions in East Texas were adequate. Recent frosts set back green-up and forage growth. Warm-season grasses were exhibiting signs of freeze damage. Producers in Anderson County reported freeze damage to potatoes. Pasture and rangeland conditions were good. Many producers continued to use supplemental feeding to finish out the winter. Livestock were doing fair to good with supplemental feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Recent rainfall in East Texas improved growing conditions in many areas. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair to good. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were adequate. Moisture and warmer temperatures caused warm-season grasses to emerge. Spring vegetable planting began. Cattle markets improved. Livestock were fair to good depending on supplemental rations, pasture management and hay quality fed over the winter. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 East Texas livestock were in fair to good condition with supplementation taking place. Some cattle and other livestock were finding green grass and backing off hay a little. Hay supplies continued to be short throughout the district. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 East Texas received heavy amounts of rain over recent weeks. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were adequate to surplus. Some parts of the district were completely soaked. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor to good. Ponds and creeks were full. Plants and trees began to green up and bloom. Temperature fluctuations have been tough on crops and livestock. Hay supplies continued to run short for many producers. Livestock were in fair to good condition with supplementation taking place. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023 Many counties in East Texas reported pastures and fields were too wet to work in and equipment was getting stuck. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were adequate. Stock ponds and creeks were full. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair. Livestock were in fair to good condition with supplementation taking place. Some producers were beginning to feed more cubes due to limited hay supplies. Flooded bottoms pushed feral hogs into more visible locations, and their activity had increased. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 14, 2023

The Panhandle remained dry. The overall topsoil and subsoil moisture was very short to short. Wheat and oat conditions were very poor to fair and continued to deteriorate. Producers with irrigation were applying water and barely keeping up. Soil conditions were worsening. Spring plantings were still undecided due to poor planting conditions. Dirt in dryland wheat fields was blowing on windy days. The high winds caused erosion to occur in dry fields, county roads and some native rangeland. Cattle diets were being supplemented. Preplant activity was minimal, especially tillage. The overall condition of pasture and range was very poor to poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 The Texas Panhandle needed moisture. Topsoil and subsoil moisture levels were very short to short. Producers continued field preparations, including fertilizer, manure and compost applications. Mild weather and wind negatively impacted soil moisture. Producers were wondering what to plant due to the lack of moisture and how crops might progress without moisture. Winter wheat was in very poor to fair condition. Small grains should be jointing but were not, which likely means low yields. It could also mean wheat may not get tall enough to harvest. Irrigation was in full swing for wheat and pre-watering for summer crops. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to poor. Spring rangeland and small grain forages were declining sooner than normal. Cattle were being pulled off the limited pasture available and hauled to feed yards or sale barns. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Dry conditions continued across the Texas Panhandle, though some areas received light rains. High winds dried the moisture quickly. Soil moisture levels were very short to short. Wind gusts between 75-114 mph were reported. Damage included downed power lines, trees and several roofs destroyed. Constant wind made it extremely hard to plant wheat. Most farmers were having to replant fields that were blown out, but expectations were low due to low moisture. Pastures and rangeland were in poor condition, and producers continued to feed hay and supplements. Producers may start moving herds soon due to short hay supplies and little to no wheat for grazing. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 Dry conditions persisted across the Panhandle. Soil moisture was very short to short. Very little farming activity was reported. High winds caused a lot of dust in the air and damaged some wheat fields with marginal stands. Rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to poor. Cattle on rangeland were being supplemented. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023 The Panhandle received some snow flurries, but no major accumulation was reported. The district remained very dry. Soil moisture levels were very short to short. Winter wheat was struggling due to the lack of moisture. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to poor. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb 14, 2023

Scattered rain was reported throughout South Texas. Corn and sorghum planting was wrapping up, and most of the planted fields had emerged. Most crops and croplands were being irrigated. Some cotton was still being planted, and sesame planting was underway. Strawberry harvest was underway, but damp conditions were slowing harvest. Onions were doing well. Wheat and oat crops were in the soft dough stage. Some producers were tilling to prevent wind erosion. Winds were causing erosion, but also reducing soil moisture and stressing young plants. Fields were being prepared for spring food plots of sorghum and sunflowers. Spinach planting was complete, and harvest continued. Citrus, sugarcane and cool-season vegetables, including onions, were being harvested. Moisture has slightly helped some pastures, but more rain is needed. Pasture and rangeland conditions improved in a few areas but continued to decline due to a lack of moisture in most areas. Supplemental feeding continued for livestock. Producers continued to cull herds. Cattle markets were reporting above-average sale volumes, but prices continued to be strong in all classes of cattle. Feed and hay prices continued to increase. Pastures were being fertilized and recovering from winter dormancy and moisture stress. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 28, 2023 Corn and sorghum planting continued in South Texas, with most corn acres planted already with slow germination reported. Cotton planting was underway, with some fields already emerging. Some cotton and sorghum plantings were delayed as producers waited for rain, but other cotton and corn fields were being dry planted. Pasture and rangeland conditions continued to improve, but forage availability was poor, and livestock supplemental feeding continued. Farmers with irrigation were watering crops. Citrus farmers were irrigating trees where water was available, and some will be harvesting their late-season oranges soon. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 14, 2023 Soil moisture levels in South Texas were very short to short. Windy conditions were reported in some areas. Temperatures were above normal. Strawberries were starting to flower and put on fruit. Other fruit crops were also budding out and flowering. Some producers were preparing crop fields, and planting was underway in parts of the district. Most corn planting was complete in southern parts of the district, and sorghum planting was in full swing. Some early planted corn and sorghum established good stands. Citrus, sugarcane and winter vegetable harvests continued. Rangeland and pasture conditions were poor to good, but most areas were declining. Crops were being irrigated. Supplemental feeding continued or increased to maintain good body condition scores in all livestock. Prices for feed, hay and supplements were still high and increasing. Cattle prices were steady. Mesquite trees were leafing out. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 28, 2023 Soil moisture conditions in South Texas were very short to adequate. Temperatures were cooler with windy conditions reported in some areas. Some producers started planting corn according to soil moisture levels in fields. Most growers were expected to wait for rain over the next two weeks. Some planted fields germinated but were stressed by high winds. Crops under irrigation continued to progress. Growers with irrigation were planting corn, sorghum and sunflowers. Some late-planted onions were being irrigated. Rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to fair. Conditions were improving in some areas but continued to decline in most areas. Wildfires were a concern in areas with standing grasses. Supplemental feeding continued for livestock, and body conditions were good. Prices for feed, hay and supplements continued to increase. Some producers continued to cull their herds. Beef cattle prices were steady to higher with above-average sale volumes. Landowners continued to provide wildlife with supplemental food. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb 22, 2023 Soil moisture levels in South Texas were very short to short in most areas with some southern areas reporting adequate soil moisture. Producers were preparing for planting and monitoring soil moisture levels. Corn planting should begin when soil moisture becomes adequate for germination. Corn, sunflowers and sorghum were being planted in southern areas of the district with adequate moisture, but a rain would help those fields. Some planted fields were irrigated. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor, and grazing was limited in most areas, but some decent grazing was reported in southern parts of the district. Hay and feed prices continued to increase as producers continued to supplement livestock rations. Producers continued to cull bulls and cows, and market prices were strong to steady. Livestock were in decent shape. Wheat and oat fields were in good condition but dry conditions and freezing temperatures were showing in some fields. AgriLife (Texas A&M) (College Station, Texas), Feb 14, 2023

Drought, combined with the wind and sand storm in late February, led to the loss of most of the wheat crop in the Panhandle region. The hay shortage continued. Texas Farm Bureau (Waco, Texas), April 4, 2023

Farmers in southwest Kansas are less hopeful about the winter wheat crop as much of the wheat has not yet emerged. As of March 27, just 19% of the wheat was in good to excellent condition, while 52% is rated poor to very poor. Short to very short describes 77% of the subsoil moisture. Insurance adjusters were going to visit the area in coming weeks to adjust out the fields that haven’t emerged. Many counties have received half of normal precipitation for the past year or more. In Barber County where the soil is sandy, precipitation has been less than half of normal. Wheat plants were small and do not have many tillers. Some fields have been completely blown out by strong winds. In addition, winter grain mites and army cut worms were infesting the crops, which will limit yield potential. KSAL (Salina, Kan.), April 3, 2023

Waller County corn growers expected to lose 90% of their corn in July 2022 due to drought. But by harvest time, the corn was a total loss. Present conditions were slightly better than at the same time last year. KTRK ABC 13 (Houston, Texas), March 30, 2023

Belton was in Phase 1 of water restrictions, and Lake Belton was 64.2% full. KCEN HD (Temple, Texas), March 29, 2023

An uptick in brushfire-related calls has kept Hillsborough County firefighters busy as people disregarded the year-round ban on burning yard debris amid an unseasonably dry spell with severe drought in the county. WTVT-TV FOX 13 Tampa Bay (Fla.), March 30, 2023

The 2022 summer drought in Arkansas limited wild blackberry and wild cherry production, particularly in the northern part of the state, where drought was more intense. Arkansas' black bears normally eat the fruit, but had to find other food. The following winter, the bears' low reproductive rate at 45 percent of normal affected the same area, suggesting that the reduced food supply affected the subsequent reproductive rate. KARK (Little Rock, Ark.), March 29, 2023

The Guadalupe and Comal rivers were flowing more slowly, due to drought, but still offered great fishing, camping and tubing. WOAI NBC 4 San Antonio (Texas), March 28, 2023

Brevard County has issued a burn ban due to dry ground and the lack of rain. The neighboring counties of Orange, Osceola and Seminole also have restrictions on outdoor burning. WMFE-FM 90.7 (Orlando, Fla.), March 29, 2023

Grover Beach enacted a mandatory 10% reduction in water use, but was not adopting penalties. KSBY-TV San Luis Obispo (Calif.), May 17, 2022

East Bay Municipal Utilities District announced on March 28, 2023, that they were adjusting the emergency drought regulations as reservoirs were expected to fully refill. Penalties for excessive water use were suspended on March 29. The order for 10% mandatory conservation has become 10% voluntary water use reduction. KTVU (San Francisco, Calif.), March 28, 2023 EBMUD remained in a stage 2 drought with a mandated 10% reduction in water use and other directives, such as watering outdoors no more than thrice weekly, no pavement washing, etc. The drought surcharge ended on March 1, 2023. Berkeleyside (Berkeley, Calif.), March 2, 2023 East Bay Municipal Utility District declared a Stage 2 drought, meaning 10% mandatory restrictions and probably a drought surcharge for the 1.4 million customers. Excessive water use penalties may also be a possibility in the near future. CBS San Francisco (Calif.), April 26, 2022