Charles W. Stenholm: “I would like to bring a very serious matter to the attention of my colleagues, which is the devastating effect the…”

“I would like to bring a very serious matter to the attention of my colleagues, which is the devastating effect the drought is having on Texas and its residents. We are well aware of the economic impact it has had on agriculture production. The prolonged drought is now threatening an essential human need, drinking water. Let me give my colleagues a few examples: Sylvester, McCaulley, West Odessa, Rhineland, Mirando City, and Bruni's water supply comes from wells. Because of the drought, the water tables have dropped and the water quality is poor. In addition, they face the real potential of their wells running dry. Stamford, Texas has about a 1-year supply of water. The water quality is poor. Solutions have been delayed by bureaucratic indifference. Without assistance to divert water into the lake, any rainfall will be lost. Throckmorton, Texas, a population of 1,036 whose sole source of water is a lake, has approximately 117 days of water left. This is an emergency situation.”