Declining water levels in Texas water supply reservoir raise concerns

Water levels in Texas’ Lake Alan Henry are dropping due to drought conditions, according to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. The reservoir that provides water to Lubbock, Texas is at 60 percent capacity.

Back in 2010, when the reservoir was last at full capacity, the city needed 69.7 billion gallons of water. In 2013, it only extracted 13.5 billion gallons.

The U.S. Geological Survey, which monitors water entering and leaving the lake, finds Alan Henry is losing more water than would be expected with typical evaporation rates. Dry weather conditions have impacted its ability to refill, but officials indicate excessive withdrawals may also play a role in the decreasing water levels.