Texas Faces Rising Reservoir Evaporation Rates Amid Climate Concerns

A recent government meeting highlighted significant findings regarding water evaporation trends in Texas, revealing that wind speed and direction are the primary factors influencing daily evaporation rates. Since 1981, the annual average evaporation rate in Texas has increased by 0.11 inches per year, equating to approximately 1.1 inches per decade. This increase is particularly pronounced during hot, windy years, such as 2022.

The discussions underscored the importance of understanding evaporation as a critical component of water management, especially given that Texas loses between 150,000 and 200,000 acre-feet of water annually due to evaporation from its lakes. The Texas Water Development Board is keen to expand research efforts in this area, with interest from various federal entities as well.

Participants noted that while traditional methods of measuring evaporation, such as using pans, have been in place for over a century, there is a push for more advanced technologies to improve accuracy. The meeting also addressed the need for Texas-specific data to refine evaporation models, with plans to deploy new monitoring equipment across several lakes, including Lake Buchanan and Choke Canyon.

The collaborative effort aims to enhance forecasting capabilities and inform future water management strategies, ensuring that Texas can better account for natural water losses and plan for sustainable water supplies. As the state grapples with increasing evaporation rates, the integration of modern technology into water resource management is seen as a vital step forward.