So what’s all the fuss about a little rain? Depending on where you live will depend on how passionate your answer will be.
It is said “Water is Life”, yet like the air we breathe we typically take freshwater for granted. On a recent trip to Texas for our annual FEDA convention, I was somewhat disappointed to land in overcast skies and cool rainy conditions much like the weather I had left in Louisville. Hoping for sunny and warm weather to clear my head of the winter doldrums I must admit my spirits were a little dampened at the wet conditions.
Once I settled into my comfortable hotel room I flipped on the news to see if the famous Big Texas sun was going to shine. Much to my surprise, the biggest thing in Texas happened to be the rain. The Newscasters and weather reporters were giddy about the rain, and frolicking in puddles like a bunch of school children.
Really is this Texas?!?
I watched with curiosity and a lot of sarcasm but began to question what’s really about. It’s more than reporters dancing in the rain. Then it hit me, these folks are thankful that the prospect that the drought may finally be over. I have to admit a little guilt came over me regarding my poor attitude upon arrival as I had taken for granted a precious resource which is so abundant where I am from.
Upon seeing the news of the “Big Texas Drought” I began to casually investigate its effects among the locals to learn what the fuss was all about. The most informative 
person was a San Antonio native who served as our tour guide named Carol. She gave me a little more than just the latest weather explanation. Carol spoke of the extended drought that hit the southwest, especially the state of Texas. She said this was the worst drought conditions in decades, some say since 1895, primarily because the conditions have progressively become dryer over time. One news report stated Texas never fully recovered from the summer drought of 2010. However, this winter season was the driest four months on record and continues to threaten San Antonio’s water supply, farming, prairie grasslands, and livestock.
Carol explained that the rains they have recently had won’t come close to raising water levels in the aquifers beneath San Antonio stretching 60 miles to Austin. She described the depleting water supply and controversies about high water consumption and poor water quality is very real and the fuss is about our future. So we are very grateful for the rain and are hoping for several more inches this spring to fill our aquifer.
It was a very interesting conversation and I learned a lot from Carol, especially to appreciate our ample supply of freshwater in the Kentucky Region. I went to Texas to sharpen my business skills but I came away with a much more valuable lesson from the wonderful Texas people. Don’t take your water resources for granted.
{This is part one in a blog series by Dine Company on freshwater awareness and interesting tips on conservation, consumption, and basic water quality and care.}
