Area Lake Levels Lower Than a Year Ago

The Texas Water Development Board monitors more than 115 water reservoirs across the state. Of the 19 lakes and reservoirs in the West Texas area, 13 are down in water levels compared to last year. The lakes and reservoirs in Texas typically see gains during the winter and spring months. That hasn’t been the case so far this year, though, said Dr. Robert Mace, deputy executive administrator for Water Science and Conservation at the Texas Water Development Board. Lake Abilene is only about 16 percent full compared to about 36 percent last March. Hubbard Creek Reservoir is about 28 percent full, down from 45.6 percent last year. Even Possum Kingdom — the area’s largest lake — is only 71.9 percent full, compared to 84.3 percent last year. “In general, statewide, we’re seeing low levels for reservoirs,” Mace said. “In fact, for this time of the year, we’re setting record lows since 1990.” Mace said normally there’s a bump in rainfall during the winter and spring months, producing runoff and raising reservoir levels. — Abilene Reporter News