As North Texas heads into summer, many residents look to lake levels as a sign of how secure our water supply is. Mustang receives most of its water from Lake Chapman, which was at roughly 79 percent in mid-April. It might seem like we’re in good shape, but a lake being near normal doesn’t always mean the region has the water it needs for the months ahead. 

According to the Texas Water Development Board, late February saw 80 percent of the state in drought, up 12 percentage points from late January. Soil moisture, groundwater levels, and streamflow can stay low for months even when lake levels appear stable. The U.S. Drought Monitor has recently classified parts of North Texas as abnormally dry to severe drought, showing lingering dry conditions that affect the entire water system.

That’s why lake levels are only part of the story; even when we receive rain, it can help, but it does not solve the drought problem Texas faces year after year. It’s important to remember that the water running into lakes from rivers and creeks contributes to overall lake levels. Lakes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area are full due to more water flowing into them from upstream.  While this may seem like there is no problem, much of Texas has seen below‑normal inflows for several years. Research from USGS shows that inflows to many reservoirs, including Lake Chapman, can drop sharply during extended dry periods, even if rainfall briefly boosts lake levels.

The Texas Water Development Board notes that this year’s warmer-than-normal temperatures from January to March can affect water availability.  Texas lakes lose several feet of water each year due to evaporation alone. During the year, Lake Chapman on average loses approximately 4.5 feet of water, which equates to billions of gallons of water lost to evaporation. That is more than 200,000 homes, if they were using at least 100,000 gallons of water per year. During summer months, a lake that’s “79% full” in spring can fall quickly when temperatures climb and demand increases.

With population growth continuing across North Texas, we are urging residents to conserve now rather than wait for restrictions. The good news: simple everyday choices can make a major impact.

Easy Ways to Conserve Water This Summer

• Water lawns early in the morning on your scheduled day
• Fix indoor and outdoor leaks; even a small drip can waste hundreds of gallons a month
• Use native or drought‑tolerant plants in landscaping
• Keep showers short and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
• Check sprinkler systems to make sure they are operating properly

Lake Chapman and other North Texas reservoirs remain vital resources, but staying water smart today helps ensure we have enough for the hotter months ahead. Even when lakes look full, our overall water system may not be, which is why conservation remains one of the most important tools we have.