The Norman Transcript

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December 14, 2012

We’re still in a drought

The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — Lake Thunderbird, a primary water supply for the 100,000 plus Norman residents, is getting dangerously low these days. A trip to the lake in east Norman will convince visitors that we remain in a serious drought.

Prospects for rain are better today but it’ll take a lot of rain for a long time to replenish what we’ve lost. The lake is down about seven feet, near the 2006 record low of 9 feet below the conservation pool.

It’s no longer top of mind for many of us. Sprinklers still run, even thought not much is growing and the runoff freezes on sidewalks, driveways and streets. The demand is about 10 million gallons a day compared to the 20 plus million gallons in the summer months.

There’s no talk of rationing but city officials are still recommending conservation by homes and businesses.

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