98% of the state of Nebraska is in a drought: What you can do to help

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – The state of Nebraska is dry, so dry in truth, 1.8 million folks throughout the Cornhusker state are being impacted by the dearth of water.

“So if we go to Douglass County, you may drill proper down into that and see proper now, 100% of Douglas County is in drought,” says climatologist Brian Fuchs with the College of Nebraska at Lincoln. “A little bit over 87% is in extreme drought or worse and 15% of the county is in excessive drought or worse and so that’s only for Douglas.”

In keeping with Fuchs, Nebraska has seen this important quantity of drought for a while now, whereas the state sometimes solely sees ranges like this about as soon as each 25 years or extra. That’s why he’s calling it a “important occasion” that may affect Nebraska agriculture.

“If this drought continues to be ongoing into a lot of 23′, which proper now, it’s wanting prefer it might, we might begin to see extra dialogue about water restrictions and that, as we get into the spring and summer season of this yr.”

Water rationing is left as much as native water districts and there’s no indication saving water is required proper now, however come spring, Fuchs says we’ll have a greater thought of the place the state stands.

“As we get nearer to the South Dakota border most of these snow occasions have taken place and have type of eased circumstances thus far. However even with that, we’ve got to attend for the snow to start out melting to see what it will possibly do.”

However you don’t want to attend for necessary water rationing to do your half to assist preserve. Fuchs says it’s so simple as being conscious of the way you’re watering your yard and ready for a full load of laundry earlier than doing the wash.

Copyright 2023 WOWT. All rights reserved.