Drought

The Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors voted unanimously on May 3 to continue limiting sprinkler use to two days per week instead of the three days allowed before drought restrictions were adopted in 2021. Drip irrigation will be allowed three days a week. All pool owners in the district must also have a pool cover. A few rules were rescinded also, concerning car washing at home and the ban on landscape planting. Marin Independent Journal (Calif.), May 4, 2022

Drought and fire have been hard on Nebraska farms. Some ground cover, hay bales and pastureland burned in fires; some livestock have been lost while others have been scattered in the fires. Top soil is eroding, and the lack of snow during the past winter left the land exposed. Many miles of fencing were consumed in the fires, and a single mile of four-wire fencing costs $13,000 to $19,000 to replace, if supplies can be found. Some farmers turned to electric fences temporarily, but given the dry ground, the fences cannot carry a current because they can’t get a good “ground,” and cattle walk through them. Omaha World-Herald (Neb.), May 2, 2022

The beef cow slaughter through mid-April is up 16.9% year over year and is a surprisingly high rate of cow slaughter for spring. Drought impacts from 2021, combined with very strong cull cow prices and limited forage prospects are likely reflected in the rate. Significant beef cow herd liquidation may occur in 2022 unless drought improves quickly and substantially. Beef Magazine (St. Charles, Ill.), April 30, 2022

After a dry fall and winter in the Great Plains, and very arid, windy spring, the wheat has had about as much as it can take. In southwestern Kansas, a wheat grower abandoned 800 acres at planting time due to no soil moisture. Hopefully recent moisture can improve the growth and yield of his remaining wheat, otherwise it will only be 12 inches tall. Dribs and drabs of precipitation have kept the wheat alive in northwest Kanas, but yield potential is already lost and increasing. Large areas of the major wheat growing regions may be on track to see below average yields as dry weather persists from the central to the southern Plains. The high winds have stolen away moisture and resulted in blowing dust and buried wheat crops. In eastern Nebraska, the endless wind has left the dryland wheat “graying out,” while even the irrigated wheat stands are thin and uneven. Evapotranspiration has topped 10 inches this year, twice the norm. Many wheat fields in western Oklahoma were abandoned due to drought. DTN – Progressive Farmer (Burnsville, Minn.), May 3, 2022

The Idaho Department of Water Resources issued a drought declaration for 34 counties south of the Salmon River on April 28. The declarations will let water users file “extraordinary” water right-related applications allowing them more flexibility to move water. Boise State Public Radio (Idaho), May 3, 2022

All districts of the Lincoln National Forest enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions on April 28, a week after beginning Stage 1 fire restrictions. No fires, fireworks or smoking is permitted in the forest. Carlsbad Current Argus (N.M.), April 29, 2022

Public lands in New Mexico’s Eddy, Lea, Chaves, DeBaca, Guadalupe, Quay, Roosevelt and Lincoln counties were placed under strict fire restrictions by the Bureau of Land Management. The open fire ban will remain until further notice. Carlsbad Current Argus (N.M.), April 29, 2022

Very dry soil moisture conditions continued in Central Texas. Soil moisture levels were very short. Drought was exacerbated by the relentless heavy winds and warm temperatures. Wheat diseases were being held in check by the dry conditions. Some replanted corn was showing twisting and slow development due to soil dryness. Some cotton acres were not yet planted or needed replanting due to dry conditions, but activity will likely follow any decent rainfall. Pastures and winter grains were grazed down and increased supplemental feeding for livestock was reported. Overall crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor to poor. Stock tanks were dropping. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 26, 2022 Nearly all counties in Central Texas reported very short soil moisture and warm, windy and dry conditions. Soil moisture continued to decline, and moisture deficits continued to expand. Cotton plantings slowed, but some replanting was done due to patchy germination under dry topsoil conditions. Some corn was replanted. Overall, crop growth was slowing due to dryness. Wheat was now mostly headed and into early flowering stage, and yields could be impacted if rainfall does not arrive soon. Stock tank levels declined substantially over the past few weeks, and algae was becoming more problematic with increasing temperatures. Livestock were still on feed as warm-season grasses were slow to develop in pastures. Overall, rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 19, 2022 Soil moisture levels were mostly very short. Windy conditions and above-normal temperatures with nearly zero precipitation were stressing the heading stage of winter wheat and corn. Pasture grasses were developing slowly under dry conditions. The heat, wind and dry conditions were holding disease off flag-leaf wheat, but some leaf rust and leaf stripe were seen in fields, mostly on the lower leaves. Cotton planting was being held up a bit until some precipitation improves topsoil. Overall, rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 12, 2022 Most counties in Central Texas reported short soil moisture levels. Several rangeland and pasture fires occurred. Corn fields emerged nicely given the dry conditions at planting. Limited acres of cotton were planted as most producers waited on moisture and better conditions. Cattle were still receiving supplemental feed. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 5, 2022 Soil moisture was very short in nearly all counties of Central Texas. Crop, rangeland and pasture conditions were poor in nearly all counties. Crops were in poor condition due to drought. Dryland wheat and oats were not doing well and may fail. Livestock were in fair condition and being supplemented with feed and hay. Fires were being reported daily. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 29, 2022 Dry conditions continued to dominate Central Texas. Soil moisture levels were very short in most counties. Strong winds brought concerns about fire conditions. Limited rain last week slowed planting down for a day, but future rain forecasts looked promising. Wheat was in good condition but could use some precipitation. Cattle remained in good condition with producers still feeding hay. Stock tanks were getting lower and lower with the limited rainfall and low runoff totals. Rangeland and pasture conditions were generally poor in most counties. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 22, 2022 Dry conditions continued in Central Texas with nearly all counties reporting short soil moisture levels. Wheat continued to hang on and looked better. Cattle remained in fair to good condition with producers continuing to feed hay, but winter forages were limited by drought. Producers were concerned about hay supplies if rains do not arrive to push forage growth. Stock tank levels continued to decline. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 15, 2022 Dry conditions persisted in Central Texas. More than half the district reported short soil moisture levels. Winter wheat and oats were not maturing or growing well due to drought. The prediction for a drier weather pattern and stronger cotton prices may shift some acres away from corn. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 8, 2022

Rainfall and warmer temperatures improved conditions in some areas of East Texas. Vegetable producers started irrigating to make up for the lack of rainfall. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Livestock were doing fair to good with supplemental feeding continuing. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 26, 2022 Drought conditions in East Texas lessened some, but much more rainfall was needed to improve soil moisture levels. Livestock were doing fair to good with supplemental feeding taking place. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 5, 2022 Recent rainfall in East Texas relieved drought conditions a little, but warmer temperatures and heavy winds were drying soils. Supplemental feeding decreased as cool-season forages increased productivity following recent rains. Livestock were in fair to good condition with some diet supplementation taking place. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were adequate. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 29, 2022 East Texas received rainfall, but most counties still needed much more. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to poor. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Grass growth was slow, and producers continued to provide supplemental feed to cattle. Some producers were culling beef cattle herds. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 22, 2022 East Texas remained in desperate need of rainfall. Subsoil and topsoil conditions ranged from short to adequate. High winds dried out any recent moisture received. Houston County reported extremely high fire danger. Ponds and creeks remained low. Cool-season forages continued to be far below normal production due to dry conditions. Pasture and rangeland conditions varied from very poor to good in some areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 8, 2022 Drought stress in East Texas eased with recent rain, but some counties, such as Cherokee, Houston and Smith, still desperately needed rain. Ponds and creeks remained low. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair. Livestock continued to receive supplemental feed. AgriLife (College Station, Texas), March 2, 2022 Some areas of East Texas received much-needed rainfall, while others were still left dry. The lack of moisture was hurting winter pasture growth. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Livestock were in fair to good condition with supplemental feeding taking place. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 24, 2022 Drought conditions continued across most of East Texas. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were adequate to short. Ponds and creeks were low. Much more rainfall was needed to relieve current conditions. Winter forages were performing very poorly compared to a normal year. Pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor. Cattle market prices were up from last week, but head numbers remained low due to weather. Livestock were in fair to good condition with supplemental feeding taking place. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 15, 2022 East Texas pasture and rangeland conditions were very poor to fair. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Winter forages were still poor in many areas. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 8, 2022 More rain is needed across East Texas. Many counties have had little to no rain for extended periods. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor to very poor. Subsoil and topsoil conditions were short to adequate. Winter pastures needed more moisture to continue growth. Livestock were doing fair to good with some supplementation taking place. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 1, 2022

Dry conditions continued in Southwest Texas. Some counties received scattered showers ranging from trace amounts up to half an inch. Corn, sorghum and cotton needed rain soon to continue growth. Wheat needed rain as well. Rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. Livestock and wildlife diets were being heavily supplemented. Wildlife, particularly white-tail deer, were in thin condition. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 26, 2022 Pasture and rangeland conditions continued to decline for most of the area. Weather conditions continued to be dry and hot. Fire hazards were extremely high. Irrigated crops looked good, and producers continued to adjust herd numbers according to the continued drought. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 19, 2022 Weather conditions continued to be dry throughout Southwest Texas. Rangeland and non-irrigated pastures continued to decline. Fire danger remained extremely high, and 1,500 acres were reported burned. Hay fields were being irrigated. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Producers continued to cull herds. Deer looked thin. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 12, 2022 Dry, windy conditions continued across most of Southwest Texas with no measurable rainfall reported. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to decline with higher temperatures and lack of moisture. Multiple wildfires were reported across the district, including 7,000 acres reported burned in Kinney County. Winter wheat and corn under irrigation looked good. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Producers were culling herds due to ongoing drought conditions. Livestock markets remained steady to high. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 5, 2022 No measurable rainfall was reported in Southwest Texas. Risk of fires increased as low moisture and windy conditions continued. Rangeland and pasture conditions were in short supply of adequate forage. Wheat looked good under irrigation. Hay producers began irrigating. Producers provided heavy supplemental feed rations and culled livestock inventories. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 29, 2022 Very dry conditions were persistent with no rainfall reported. Dry conditions increased the likelihood of wildfire. Pasture and rangeland conditions were steadily decreasing without precipitation. Livestock were in fair condition and supplemental feeding continued for both livestock and wildlife. Wildlife looked thin. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 22, 2022 Very dry and windy conditions continued across Southwest Texas, and fire danger increased. Pasture and rangeland conditions continued to decline with a lack of moisture. Wheat conditions were poor due to lack of moisture. Some producers reported deeper culling of cattle herds. Producers continued to provide heavy supplemental rations for livestock and wildlife. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 15, 2022 Dry conditions continued in Southwest Texas with little to no rainfall reported. Warmer weather caused some cool-season forages to green up, but growth was slowed by the lack of moisture. Poor pasture and rangeland conditions reflected the absence of rainfall. Wheat under irrigation looked good. Producers continued to provide supplemental feed for livestock and wildlife. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 8, 2022 No measurable rainfall fell in Southwest Texas, where rangelands were extremely dry, and pastures were grazed. Warm-season plants were emerging, but the lack of subsoil moisture was slowing growth for seedlings and warm-season perennials coming out of dormancy. Winter wheat and oats were in poor condition. Supplemental feeding of livestock and wildlife continued. AgriLife (College Station, Texas), March 2, 2022 Dry and windy weather conditions continued across the district. Fire dangers increased with dry vegetation and lack of moisture. Pastures continued to decline with little to no winter weeds due to drought conditions. Wheat under irrigation was in good condition. Livestock were in fair condition and supplemental feeding continued. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 24, 2022 Most of Southwest Texas remained dry, and more moisture is needed. Winter forages planted for grazing were in poor to fair condition. Rangeland and pasture conditions were fair, but stocking rates were reduced due to dry conditions. Livestock and wildlife were being heavily supplemented, and water availability was being monitored closely. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 15, 2022 Dry conditions continued in Southwest Texas, but the recent precipitation was very welcome. Pasture and rangeland conditions were poor to fair due to the lack of moisture. Winter wheat and oats were in poor condition. Producers continued to heavily supplement livestock and wildlife. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 8, 2022 Conditions were dry in Southwest Texas, and rangeland and pasture conditions remained poor. Winter wheat under irrigation looked relatively good, while dryland wheat was struggling. Oats were not adding new growth. Producers were providing heavy amounts of supplemental feed to livestock and wildlife. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 1, 2022 Pasture and rangeland conditions continued to decline with the lack of moisture. Producers continued supplemental feeding of both livestock and wildlife. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 25, 2022

Most areas of South Texas reported very short moisture levels. Fire dangers remained due to dry conditions. Scattered rains delivered scant moisture. Crop and rangeland conditions were very poor. Most dryland sorghum fields had been abandoned. Irrigated row crops, including corn, sorghum, cotton and soybeans were receiving water. Dryland cotton emergence was spotty. Pest and disease issues were very light. Cattle and wildlife continued to suffer due to lack of forage. Some producers were reporting fair rangeland and pasture conditions and summer grass growth. Cattle producers continued to sell calves at lighter weights and cull their herds. There were reports of herd liquidations. Producers continued to haul hay and provide supplements, and some were hauling water. Sale barns were reporting average sale volumes and steady prices. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 26, 2022 Northern and eastern parts of the district reported very short moisture levels, while southern and western areas reported short soil moisture. Some planted sorghum fields were abandoned. Cotton and sorghum fields were showing spotty emergence. Irrigated corn fields looked moisture stressed. Some farmers were preparing to irrigate as further restrictions by water districts were likely around the corner. Pasture and rangeland conditions were mostly poor and continued to decline. Livestock and wildlife producers were providing heavy supplemental feed for their animals. Producers were hauling hay, cubes and water. Hay and feed prices continued to rise. Cattle prices were steady as producers continued to reduce herd numbers. Increased numbers of deer were being hit along roadsides as they sought forages. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 19, 2022 Northern parts of South Texas reported very short moisture levels, while southern areas reported very short to adequate moisture. Eastern and western areas reported short soil moisture. Irrigation pivots were running on wheat and row crops, including corn and sorghum. Some planted sorghum fields were already abandoned. Emergence in some planted sorghum and cotton fields was spotty. Some Bermuda grass fields were being watered. Those fields were green and nearing their first cutting. Rangeland and pasture conditions were poor in most areas, while a few areas were reporting fair to good rangeland conditions. Wildfire potential was high. Some producers were dealing with small brush fires, but Duval County reported around 11,000 acres burned. Stock tanks were low. Producers were hauling hay, and some were hauling water. Hay supplies were declining, with bales around $60-$80 each. Cattle producers were culling cows and calves deeper. Wildlife foraging increased along roadsides. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 12, 2022 Northern and eastern parts of South Texas reported very short moisture levels while western and southern areas reported short to adequate soil moisture. Conditions were windy and dry, and temperatures were rising. Farmers were starting to dry-plant fields before insurance deadlines pass. Rangeland and pasture conditions were very poor across most of the district. Ranchers were providing heavy supplemental rations to cattle. Producers continued to cull herds, and some were hauling water. Some water wells were running dry, and stock tanks were low. Coastal Bermuda grass was being irrigated. Hay supplies were declining, and feed and hay prices were rising. Cattle prices at market remained steady, but body condition scores were declining in some areas. Wildlife deaths along roadsides were climbing due to lack of forage and browse beyond road ditches. Fire potential was very high due to dry conditions and winds, and some fires were reported. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), April 5, 2022 Most areas of South Texas reported short soil moisture levels, but some parts of the district reported very short or adequate soil moisture conditions. Most farmers continued to wait for significant rainfall before planting, but some had already planted corn and sorghum and were preparing to plant cotton. Some planted sorghum acres failed to create stands. Sunflowers, corn and grain sorghum looked good in some areas but will need rainfall soon. Some corn was under irrigation. Rangeland and pasture conditions were poor. Ranchers continued to provide heavy rations of supplemental feed to livestock. More producers were looking for hay as supplies continued to dwindle. Feed and hay prices continued to rise. Stock tanks were low, and some producers were hauling water. Some producers will be forced to cull deeper if drought conditions persist. Cattle prices were steady for all classes, and sale volumes were normal. Some hay fields were being irrigated. Fire activity was rising across the district, with more than 4,000 acres reported burned in two counties. Fires have caused widespread damage to ranching operations. Wildlife were browsing along roadsides. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 29, 2022 Northern, eastern and western parts of South Texas reported very short to short moisture levels while southern areas reported adequate moisture. Crop fields were being irrigated. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to decline, and producers continued to provide hay and feed. Stock tanks were low, and some producers were hauling water. Beef cattle markets saw high volumes as producers continued to cull herds. Cull cow and bull prices were high. Body condition scores continued to decline. Several fires were reported. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 22, 2022 Fieldwork continued in South Texas, but most growers were delaying planting until rains improve soil moisture levels. Soil moisture levels were very short to short in the northern, eastern and western areas of the district and mostly adequate in southern parts. Pastures and rangelands were bare in many areas. Ranchers continued to provide heavy supplemental feed rations and cull herds. Stock tanks were low. Cattle sale volumes were above average with reports of feeder cattle prices dropping $20 per hundredweight. Pastures and rangelands were greening up some in areas that received moisture. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 15, 2022 Soil moisture levels in South Texas ranged from very short to adequate, but dry, windy conditions prevailed. Conditions were extremely dry in some areas. Farmers planted some corn, but many were holding off on grain sorghum due to very dry conditions and lack of soil moisture. Producers continued to provide supplemental feed to livestock and were selling cattle due to drought. Wildlife were browsing along roadsides. Rangeland and pasture conditions continue to decline. Stock tanks were declining, and some were dry. Hay prices were $60-$80 per bale. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 8, 2022 Northern and eastern parts of South Texas were very short on moisture while western and southern areas received short to adequate moisture. Irrigated food plots of oats looked good, but non-irrigated were no longer growing. Farmers in some areas were hesitant about planting because soils were powder dry. In other areas, farmers were slowly planting according to the amount of soil moisture available in fields. Livestock producers were providing heavy amounts of supplemental feed, marketing calves and culling cows in drier areas. Many pastures have little to no grass. Reports of fires increased, and ungrazed pastures pose a fire danger. Stock tank levels were fair. Areas with more moisture reported mixed pasture conditions with grasses and forbs emerging from dormancy. AgriLife (College Station, Texas), March 2, 2022 Soil moisture levels in northern, western and eastern parts of South Texas remained very short. Field conditions were deteriorating. Wind speeds increased and fire hazards were high. A few fires were reported. One fire consumed more than 200 bales of hay. Rangeland and pasture conditions were mostly poor. Livestock and wildlife were receiving heavy rations of supplemental feed. Feed and hay were in higher demand. Ranchers were selling calves at lighter weights, but prices were steady. Coastal Bermuda grass remained dormant but was being irrigated. Producers in southern areas of the region with more moisture were reporting decent pasture conditions and good body scores in cattle. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 24, 2022 Northern, eastern and western parts of South Texas reported very short to short soil moisture levels while southern areas reported adequate moisture. Conditions were drier than normal. Fields were dusty and dry. Producers were expressing skepticism about spring planting without significant moisture. Pastures looked dry and dormant, and livestock producers were providing heavy supplemental feed. Stock tanks were low. Cattle sales were above normal, but prices were steady. Round bale hay prices were $50-$95. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 15, 2022 Fall oat and wheat crops in South Texas were beginning to improve slightly due to the recent rainfall but the moisture was expected to be short-lived. Rangeland and pasture ratings ranged from very poor to good with some producers reporting above-average conditions for this time of year. Livestock producers were busy feeding cattle and putting hay out due to very cold weather and dry conditions. The cold weather drove local wildlife to browse near roadsides. Ranchers were marketing livestock in higher-than-normal volumes. Prices for feeder cattle and quality cull cows were steady to a slightly higher. Stock tank levels were fair. Hay prices were increasing. A small percentage of Bermuda grass pastures remained in good condition, but most acres were brown following the frost. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 8, 2022 Northern areas of South Texas remained very short on moisture, while western areas reported short soil moisture levels despite rainy conditions. Row crop fields will need significant rainfall for preparation and planting. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Feb 1, 2022 The northern, western and eastern parts of the district continued to experience dry weather and very short soil moisture levels. Southern areas reported wet conditions and adequate soil moisture. Farmers were idle and waiting for rainfall to be forecast so they could apply preplant fertilizers and chemicals. The lack of rain was impacting oat field production. Rangelands were dormant due to lack of moisture but looked good in areas with moisture. A freeze around three weeks ago knocked back green grasses in some areas, and while some were recovering, dry conditions were slowing the process. Ranchers were feeding cattle and other livestock and providing protein for wildlife. Cattle were beginning to browse pear cactus, and cattle body conditions were declining in some areas. Stock tanks were low and declining. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), Jan 25, 2022

Water users with junior rights on the Tongue River and its tributaries in northeast Wyoming are on notice for legally enforceable water conservation measures, following a call from Montana. Low snowpack, persistent drought conditions and forecasts for lower-than-average precipitation were the reasons for initiating the water conservation measures and notices. WyoFile (Lander, Wyo.), April 26, 2022

Junior water rights holders on the North Platte River were ordered to curtail diversions through April. Low snowpack, persistent drought conditions and forecasts for lower-than-average precipitation were the reasons for initiating the water conservation measures and notices. WyoFile (Lander, Wyo.), April 26, 2022

South Dakota pastures have not received enough moisture for normal production, so the South Dakota Grassland Coalition recommends that ranchers plan ahead. A rangeland management specialist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bison, stated that up to 150 percent of normal rainfall would be needed in May and June to return to normal forage production. Associated Press (New York), April 25, 2022

The soil in southern Baker County is dry and quickly absorbs snowmelt, leaving no runoff. Streambeds were empty instead of flowing, and pastures remained parched. The mountain was bare instead of being cloaked with melting snow. A local drought disaster declaration has been approved for Baker County. Late December and early January storms deepened the snow, but the rest of winter was dry, leaving water supplies low and farmers worried. In addition, diesel and fertilizer prices are high, forcing farmers to deal with several crises at once. Pendleton East Oregonian (Ore.), April 23, 2022

Water in drought-stricken California has sold for $2,000 per acre-foot in a water district on the south side of the San Joaquin Valley. Other exorbitant prices were $1,648 and $1,800 per acre-foot. In comparison, water sold via federal and state projects is $40 and $120 per acre-foot. GV Wire (Fresno, Calif.), April 26, 2022

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on April 25 issued drought emergency declarations for Deschutes, Grant, Lake and Malheur counties due to low precipitation and below normal water supplies.

The top of intake no. 1 is visible in Lake Mead, and the low lake level pumping station is operating, per the Southern Nevada Water Authority. Construction on the new pumping station finished in 2020. The level of Lake Mead has dropped 150 feet since 2000. KTNV-TV Las Vegas Channel 13 (Nev.), April 26, 2022

The water allocation for the Elephant Butte Irrigation District in New Mexico is just 5 inches per acre—far less than the full allocation of 36 inches. The water will be released on June 1. The Elephant Butte Reservoir was at 12.6% of capacity on April 24. El Paso Times (Texas), April 25, 2022 The Elephant Butte reservoir held just 12% of capacity as the growing season neared, so local irrigation managers expect a short, small season to begin in June. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will announce the allocation later in April. El Paso farmers are projected to get just 18 inches of water per acre instead of the full 48 inches, according to the manager for the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1. The irrigation water arriving in June will mean a lot of fallowed land. Farmers with the Elephant Butte Irrigation District will have it worse with just three or four inches per acre total, which would allow farmers to irrigate for about one month. El Paso Matters (Texas), April 6, 2022

El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 has not yet announced its allotment, but the manager estimated that it would be 18 inches of water per acre. El Paso gets 40% of its drinking water from the Rio Grande River and has diversified water sources to rely less on shrinking surface water supplies. The Elephant Butte Reservoir was at 12.6% of capacity on April 24. The water will be released on June 1. El Paso Times (Texas), April 25, 2022 Irrigation in portions of the Lower Valley was effluent/treated sewage from the City of El Paso, El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 wells and some private wells. Water was scheduled to be released from Elephant Butte Reservoir in late May, which would deliver water to El Paso County in early June. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 22, 2022 The El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 allotted 25% of irrigation water to growers/landowners, and all other irrigations were to be provided through private farm wells. AgriLife Today (College Station, Texas), March 15, 2022