PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (AR) Weekly drought report--Arkansas

Date: Thr, 16 Aug 2012 12:33:46 EDT

Summary: More than 80 percent of Arkansas is in extreme or exceptional drought conditions; this is unchanged from last week.

Hydrologic Conditions: More than 80 percent of Arkansas is in extreme or exceptional drought conditions; this is unchanged from last week. Streamflows at many sites are at values that would be expected to be exceeded 90 percent of the time for this date (August 16). Some streamflows are only 1 percent of normal (median) values for this date. Some water systems have placed mandatory restrictions on water use; others have made recommendations to their customers to reduce water use.

Streamgages: By the end of August all streamgages in the state will have been visited and streamflows measured. Where necessary, zero flows have been verified and orifice lines have been extended.

Groundwater levels: Groundwater levels are measured continuously or quarterly at nearly 40 sites as part of routine programs. Levels typically have dropped less than 3 feet over the last 3-4 months. Most of these declines are within the normal range of declines expected for this time of year.

Water quality: No specific water-quality samples have been collected in response to the drought conditions. Some water quality problems and fish kills have been reported across the state.

Special projects: None.

Communications and outreach: Jim Petersen was contacted by a reporter for a Jacksonville, Ark. newspaper regarding groundwater levels in central Arkansas.

Sub-Region: Central South; Region: Central United States