So far this year, in fact, we've received less rain than was recorded during these months of the worst droughts on record. The level of Lake Fort Phantom is so low we're depending on daily supplements from Hubbard Creek Reservoir. Water rationing has been in force for months. Last week, water usage came close to requiring stage three rules banning outside sprinkling. As all-time high temperatures are being set, lawns and gardens are withering.
Residents are worried.
The forecast for rain is more of practically nothing. On top of that, next month the city must renegotiate its contract for using water from Hubbard, and because of areawide demands, other cities may ask Abilene to cut down how many millions of gallons it has been taking. Our need for water is immediate and permanent. Part of a long-term solution is building a pipeline to O.H. Ivie Reservoir, which will take about 18 months. Yet McDaniel isn't convinced the pipeline and treatment plant needed to tap into Ivie are necessary now.