Average precipitation during the frost-free period is about 500 to 600 mm. The summer moisture deficit ranges from about 175 to 250 mm. The moderate and somewhat erratic rainfall is the source of water for pasture and crops. Shallow wells for supplemental irrigation are common in the south, but the availability and quantity of water varies greatly. Farm ponds are a major source of water for livestock.
Local streams have intermittent flow.
A few large reservoirs provide water for cities and towns and for recreation and irrigation. In most of the area, shallow wells supply water for domestic use, but ground water is scarce in places where sandstone and shale are near the surface. Most of the soils are Ustalfs. They are well drained and moderately well drained, medium textured and coarse textured. These soils have a thermic temperature regime, an ustic moisture regime, and mixed or siliceous mineralogy.