Department Highlights
When it rains it pours…
 After so many months of little or no rainfall across our state and region, this week’s rain came as a welcome relief. The rainy conditions were kind of dreary and caused some traffic problems, but it was hard to find anybody complaining. Although we are certainly not out of the dry spell and several of the region’s reservoirs are still significantly under their conservation pool levels, the amount and intensity of this week’s precipitation caused localized flooding and runoff problems in many places. The week provided a reminder to us all about the way that effective local governments keep the full range of water conditions in mind as they serve their communities, from “dry as a bone” to “frog stranglers”.
It can be a challenge to keep a floodplain management program going when a drought of historic proportions is going on. That can be just as difficult as promoting water conservation when it seems like the raining will never stop. But the reality here in North Central Texas is that even though we are in drought conditions we still need to emphasize the important message of “Turn Around - Don’t Drown” to educate folks on the dangers of driving into high water areas caused by flash floods. Like they say, if you aren’t satisfied with the weather in Texas just wait ten minutes: it ‘ll change!
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