The Drought Has Ended
Down Town Garland
The weather was the hottest topic of the month. We were in in dire need of water; in critical drought conditions. Lake Lavon appeared to be little more than a puddle and shorelines were creeping ever outward. Docks and piers hung high and dry above a dusty lakebed as Lake Ray Hubbard continued to shrink. Landscapes were brown and dying as watering was prohibited.
Then those prayers for rain were answered! Most of us had thought that it would take a number of years for the lakes to rise up to their normal levels. It took no more than 5 weeks for Mother Nature to fill our lakes to overflowing with nearly continuous downpours. Records that have been kept for 117 years have shown May 2015 to be the third wettest month on record. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened spillways in the overflowing lakes and trillions of gallons of water flowed into the Trinity River and its tributaries, causing flooding downstream.
Creeks in Garland and Rowlett overflowed and some flooding did occur, but damage was minor when compared to other areas. In North Garland there were road closings and the Firewheel Golf Course looked like Firewheel Lake. Storm drains were backing up in some areas, but all in all we can’t complain. The lakes are alive with activity, the landscape has magically turned verdant green and households enjoy abundant water. Lessons
have been learned, as the drought demonstrated the need for education in the area of conservation. The North Texas Municipal Water District is initiating programs to help us understand why and illustrate how we can be better stewards of our water supply in the future. Those hot and dry summer months are just ahead!
Nancy Ghirla
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