Drought conditions not affecting university

Despite the near record-setting temperatures over the summer in North Texas and the lack of precipitation, there are no problems with the current water supply at Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

According to the Facilities Department of A&M-Commerce, the main water source for the university is well water.  While the university does draw some of its water from the city, the main source of well water is not affected nearly as bad by the lack of rain as ground water sources like lakes are. 

The Facilities Department says, however, that they do maintain the same level of drought consciousness as the city, meaning that when the city enters into a certain stage of a drought the university also enters that stage.

The city of Commerce is currently in a Stage 1 drought, which entails public awareness but no restrictions on water usage. If the drought reaches Stage 2, then the city may start placing restrictions on when residents can water their yards, wash their cars and other activities that involve runoff. 

According to the City of Commerce's Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan, "The City will recognize that a mild water shortage condition (Stage 1) exists when (1) the water level in Lake Tawakoni drops below 432.5' (above sea level), or (2) the Palmer Drought Severity Index reaches -2 to -3 ‘moderate drought', or (3) the Sabine River Authority has initiated a mild drought under its own drought contingency plan."

Commerce gets its water from Lake Tawakoni by buying it from the Sabine River Authority. 

"We've been in a Stage 1 drought for about 6 weeks now," City Manager Marc Clayton said.  "Lake Tawakoni is sitting at 430.28 feet, and when it reaches 430 feet, we move into a Stage 2 drought, so we're very close.  In order for us to get out of Stage 1, Lake Tawakoni would have to rise above the 432.5' mark."

Commerce's Drought Contingency Plan also says, "The City will recognize that a moderate water shortage condition (Stage 2) exists when (1) water production reaches 3,100,000 GPD (gallons per day) for 5 consecutive days, or (2) the elevated storage has not completely refilled for 3 consecutive days."

Regardless of the drought conditions it may be dealing with, it seems the university's hand are tied on regulating students' use of water.

"All we can really do is restrict maintenance water usage," Grounds Water Operator Keith Luke said.