13 - RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2017 LAMAR COUNTY MITIGATION PLAN

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Lamar County Multi- Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Chapter Three One of the most significant potential impacts of drought relates to public water supply. In metropolitan areas there may be a need to stop washing cars, cease watering lawns and take other water conservation steps. In smaller communities, reduced flow in rivers and streams can have a significant effect on the water amount allowed for municipal use. Hot weather during the summer increases demand as well as evaporation. In turn, increased water demand can stress many smaller and /or antiquated delivery and treatment facilities to the point of collapse. Prolonged drought has a greater impact on rural communities, which usually rely on relatively small watersheds and are especially vulnerable during such periods. Water shortages can also affect firefighting capabilities in both urban and rural settings through reduced water flows and pressures. Most droughts dramatically increase the danger of fires on wild land. When wild lands are destroyed by fire, the resulting erosion can cause heavy silting of streams, rivers, and reservoirs. Serious damage to aquatic life, irrigation, and power production then occurs. Although drought can have serious impact during winter months, it is most often associated with extreme heat. Wildlife, pets, livestock, crops, and humans are vulnerable to the high heat that can accompany drought. When temperatures reach 90 degrees and above, people and animals are more likely to suffer sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. 4. Previous Occurrences The state of Texas is divided into ten climatic divisions by the National Weather Service. Lamar County is one of the 44 counties that make up the North Central Texas Region. This region, according to the Texas Almanac 2008 -2009 Edition, has experienced severe 14 drought years between 1892 and 2006. The drought of 2005 -2006 hit Texas agriculture harder than any previous event. The lack of rain started in May 2005 and lasted until December 2006. The drought had started as a moderate drought in the North Central Texas region but was upgraded to severe drought status in May of 2005. The drought continued into the summer months and was elevated by high temperatures. By the fourth of July holiday 29 counties were under burn bans. The drought continued as more counties were added to the severe drought area and little to no rainfall fell. By December 27, 2005 the U.S. Drought Monitor reported drought conditions for all regions in the state except the Edward Plateau. The arrival of 2006 unseasonably warm weather added to the problems as did the raging wildfires. By the end of the year drought conditions improved but the damage was already done. Water levels in lakes, reservoirs, and ponds remained critical until the flooding of 2007. The statewide drought losses from this event were estimated at $4.1 billion and $1.9 billion in North Texas alone. �'�il