GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE, Texas -- Conservation of water is essential to the future of west Texas. Fortunately, west Texas received large doses of rainfall over the last few years. While local water-use restrictions have been lessened, conservation should remain a top priority.
According to the National Weather Service, Tom Green County is about eight inches above average in annual rainfall totals. This increased rain activity has been both a blessing and a curse. Some areas of the county have experienced catastrophic flash flooding, destroyed homes, vehicles and property, while other areas have flourished due to the quenching of the previously drought-stricken soil. Goodfellow has experienced population booms in many of our plant and wildlife species from this increase in rain.
Lake and reservoir levels have also risen tremendously. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, O.C. Fisher Reservoir located at the San Angelo State Park has risen from 0.8 percent full to 16.9 percent in the last year. The reservoir has only reached this level twice in the last 20 years. Twin Buttes Reservoir also increased 3.2 to 5.6 percent full from the last year. Meanwhile, Lake Nasworthy is down from 80.9 to 75.5 percent full compared to last year: a decline that could be due to the lack of restrictions in water usage.
This additional rain and increased watershed also brings attention to trash, recycling and proper chemical disposal. Proper disposal of our pollutants has always been important, especially when the weather creates such substantial storms. Many people believe that heavy rains quench and rinse the earth of many pollutants; however, this is not the case. These pollutants are not simply washed and rinsed away, but rather transported to our streams, lakes, reservoirs, and other waterways by storm water flow. For Goodfellow, its five storm water outfalls lead to San Angelo’s Concho River.
Water is essential to our survival as human beings, so taking care of our water sources is essential. Please dispose of trash and pollutants at home, work and throughout our community. This in turn keeps our waters clean and available for drinking and recreation.