Latest news with #waterlevels
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Officials issue warning after lake in Texas hits 100% capacity for first time in 15 years: '[One of] the most important ... in Central Texas'
Officials issue warning after lake in Texas hits 100% capacity for first time in 15 years: '[One of] the most important ... in Central Texas' Weeks after devastating rainstorms unleashed deadly flash floods across Central Texas, some lakes in the region have reached water levels not seen for decades, Newsweek reported. In response, officials issued a warning that flood gates would be opened to release excess water from Lake Buchanan, which local news outlet KXAN called one of "the most important lakes in Central Texas." In mid-July, the waters of Lake Buchanan reached 1,020 feet above mean sea level, a level not touched since March 2005, KXAN reported. As the lake neared its maximum capacity, officials ordered its flood gates to be opened for the first time since 2019. "This coordinated response helps manage significant water inflows across the Highland Lakes system," the Lower Colorado River Authority announced, per Newsweek. Waters released from Lake Buchanan flow through a downstream network of lakes into Lake Travis, which, despite also reaching levels not seen in years, still had the capacity to hold about 15 feet of additional water, per KXAN. The amount of rainfall taken in by the lakes over such a short period of time has astounded observers. As recently as July 2, the LCRA said that Lake Buchanan stood at 60% capacity. Just weeks later, the lake had reached its maximum level. Rainstorms over the July Fourth weekend brought as much as 22 inches of rain to the Highland Lakes region, according to the LCRA. The deluge caused rivers to overrun their banks, resulting in catastrophic flash floods that tragically killed more than 100 people. For decades, scientists have predicted that, as global temperatures rise, the intensity of severe weather events also would increase. The transformation of the Highland Lakes system from drought-stricken to nearing maximum capacity within a matter of weeks is an example of this intensity. Rainstorms in particular become more severe as temperatures rise because warmer air can hold significantly more moisture. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit that the temperature increases, air can absorb 4% more moisture, according to Climate Central. Since 1970, hourly rainfall intensity has increased 15% across 126 U.S. cities, according to a study by the independent group of scientists and communicators. Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As recent flooding in New York City illustrated, urban areas are ill-equipped to absorb large influxes of water. Paved ground gives water nowhere to go but storm drains, which have a limited capacity and can be decades old, if not older. This leads to flash floods, which cost lives, destroy homes, devastate communities, and cause billions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage, making insurance premiums more expensive everywhere. In order to avoid the worst impacts of rising global temperatures, it is necessary to lower the amount of heat-trapping pollution that is released into the atmosphere, largely from burning fossil fuels. While the problem might seem so large as to be insurmountable, taking simple, everyday actions does add up, especially if multiplied by millions of people. For example, riding your bike instead of driving whenever possible is a great way to reduce pollution while also getting some exercise and saving money on gas. Other steps include taking public transit, growing your own food, driving an EV, and installing solar panels on your home. While no one can do everything, if everyone does something, it will add up to a meaningful difference. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Reuters
2 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Most of Rhine river back to normal levels after rain
HAMBURG, July 28 (Reuters) - Rain has raised water levels on the river Rhine in Germany, with much of the river around normal levels, allowing cargo vessels to sail with full loads, commodity traders said on Monday. Dry weather and a heatwave in June and July meant the river became too shallow for vessels to sail fully loaded. Ship operators imposed surcharges on freight rates to compensate for vessels sailing partly empty, increasing costs for cargo owners. Shallow water continues to hinder shipping on some northern river sections, including around Duisburg and Cologne. But the picture has improved and vessels are able to sail about 70% full in Cologne and 90% full in Duisburg. More rain is forecast in the coming days, which traders said could raise water levels enough to allow ships to sail fully loaded later this week. The impact of a recent heatwave had been stronger than expected, drying fields that drain into smaller streams and rivers feeding into the Rhine. The Rhine is an important shipping route for commodities such as grains, minerals, ores, chemicals, coal and oil products, including heating oil. German companies faced supply bottlenecks and production problems in summer 2022 after a drought led to unusually low water levels on the river.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Sunken structure warning as reservoir levels fall
Sightseers have been warned to keep to paths around reservoirs as previously sunken structures become exposed due to falling water levels. Yorkshire Water's Alastair Harvey also said that while taking a dip in reservoirs during hot weather may seem enticing for some, it also brought danger and should not be risked. The firm announced a hosepipe ban earlier in July and said reservoir levels stood at just over 50% - "significantly below" the average for early July, which is nearer 80%. "We'd advise sticking to the walking routes on public footpaths and don't be tempted to go for a dip in the shallows or walk on the newly exposed embankment, as there can be risks of sinking mud," Mr Harvey said. Yorkshire Water owns and manages about 120 reservoirs, including Langsett Reservoir near Barnsley, Ogden Reservoir in Halifax and Doe Park Reservoir in Bradford. Baitings Reservoir near Ripponden is notable for its sunken bridge but the firm warned it should not be crossed. Similarly, Thruscross Reservoir near Harrogate hides the submerged village of West End, which is visible when water levels drop but should only be viewed from a distance and not approached. Mr Harvey reiterated previous warning about not swimming in reservoirs, citing cold water shock, underwater hazards and more. "Sadly, we've seen incidents in Yorkshire when people have lost their lives in reservoirs and other open water," he said. Over the summer, Yorkshire Water's ranger teams will be engaging with reservoir visitors on water safety, providing information about the sites and encouraging people to follow the Countryside Code. The company has asked people to refrain from using disposable barbecues or starting fires and has asked visitors to take litter home and keep dogs on leads, especially around livestock. "We want people across Yorkshire and beyond to enjoy our reservoirs and surrounding countryside, but it's important that people consider their behaviours and do not take risks that could impact the local natural environment and wildlife, or that puts them in harm's way," Mr Harvey said. The firm said anti-social behaviour should be reported to the police and anyone who saw a fire or someone in need of help to call 999. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North More stories like this Hosepipe ban remains despite heavy rainfall Disabilities, paddling pools and other hosepipe ban questions answered UK's first hosepipe ban 'to last until winter' Related internet links Yorkshire Water
BBC News
4 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Yorkshire Water reservoir visitors warned to keep to paths
Sightseers have been warned to keep to paths around reservoirs as previously sunken structures become exposed due to falling water Water's Alastair Harvey also said that while taking a dip in reservoirs during hot weather may seem enticing for some, it also brought danger and should not be firm announced a hosepipe ban earlier in July and said reservoir levels stood at just over 50% - "significantly below" the average for early July, which is nearer 80%."We'd advise sticking to the walking routes on public footpaths and don't be tempted to go for a dip in the shallows or walk on the newly exposed embankment, as there can be risks of sinking mud," Mr Harvey said. Yorkshire Water owns and manages about 120 reservoirs, including Langsett Reservoir near Barnsley, Ogden Reservoir in Halifax and Doe Park Reservoir in Bradford. Baitings Reservoir near Ripponden is notable for its sunken bridge but the firm warned it should not be Thruscross Reservoir near Harrogate hides the submerged village of West End, which is visible when water levels drop but should only be viewed from a distance and not approached. Mr Harvey reiterated previous warning about not swimming in reservoirs, citing cold water shock, underwater hazards and more."Sadly, we've seen incidents in Yorkshire when people have lost their lives in reservoirs and other open water," he the summer, Yorkshire Water's ranger teams will be engaging with reservoir visitors on water safety, providing information about the sites and encouraging people to follow the Countryside company has asked people to refrain from using disposable barbecues or starting fires and has asked visitors to take litter home and keep dogs on leads, especially around livestock."We want people across Yorkshire and beyond to enjoy our reservoirs and surrounding countryside, but it's important that people consider their behaviours and do not take risks that could impact the local natural environment and wildlife, or that puts them in harm's way," Mr Harvey firm said anti-social behaviour should be reported to the police and anyone who saw a fire or someone in need of help to call 999. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Low water level creating concern for Whiteshell lake
Cottagers at Betula Lake are worried about the lower water levels in the area. CTV's Daniel Halmarson reports. For many cottagers, Betula Lake has become a second home. 'It's a beautiful lake. it's not huge, but it's been great,' said cottager Larry Larke. However, low water levels are causing some problems. 'When you think of a shallow lake like Betula that averages six to eight feet, when you have a four- or five-inch drop in water, it's a significant hit,' said Ryan Galloway, president of the Betula Lake Association. invasive weeds are also running wild, wreaking havoc on boaters and swimmers. 'The biggest thing is the long-term viability and the health of the lake,' Galloway said. 'The last thing we want to see is an environmental issue where the lake just becomes so overrun that we can't deal with it.' Betula lake has a target water level dictated by the province. However, Galloway said, two fixed weirs downstream can't maintain that level. 'The height of the weir needs to change,' Galloway said. 'We need to be able to contain more water for a longer period of time, so in the low seasons we're able to do to maintain that level higher.' The Betula Lake Association has already petitioned the province to take action to protect the body of water. 'They came back early January and said, 'We'll have a little water hydrological study done by the summer' and we haven't heard anything yet. We haven't got any response,' Galloway said. The cottagers said they've taken steps to educate themselves on water stewardship, but they're demanding more help to preserve Betula Lake's future. 'It's really concerning to me,' said cottager Christine DeGraff. 'My kids are fourth generation family out here. And, you know, our goal and our dream is to see generation number five enjoying it as much as we did.' Aside from raising the height of the weirs, the association wants the province to increase the target water levels and complete a study on invasive species. In an email response to questions, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure said it must first analyze how any changes in the outlet could impact lake levels, the shoreline, and nearby properties. It says that work is now underway after being delayed by wildfires.
