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The weather has unfortunately caused a rough summer for Texas and its surrounding states. First, we were plagued with devastating wildfires sweeping through the state, and now we are dealing with a major drought. Since last October, we have been experiencing a record drought that is unparalleled to any other since 1895. Our lakes are evaporating at an alarming rate and causing fish to die in bodies of water all over the state. This problem is especially discomforting to farm and ranch owners. The majority of wildlife living in rural areas throughout Texas heavily depends on these lakes and ponds to survive.
There have been numerous reports of female deer abandoning their fawns all over the state as a result of thirst and hunger. They can barely provide for themselves, let alone provide for a dependent offspring. This situation is causing wildlife to move inwards closer to humans, which is also causing problems. Without guidance from their mothers, young deer will not last long in this heat. People are being asked to shelter these deer if possible until they can be moved to a facility capable of caring for them.
Fish kills are also a big problem plaguing the state. Each year, landowners spend a significant amount of money to create and maintain balanced fish populations in their tanks. The lack of new water and the presence of the extreme heat have really taken a toll on the fish environment. The temperature of the water causes oxygen issues for the fish especially in small tanks. Water at the top of the pond is so hot that it promotes growth of algae, which in turn reduces the amount of oxygen in the water. Fish are forced to live in the lowest parts of the lake searching for cooler temperatures.
Is there anything you can do to prevent the death of your fish and the evaporation of your tanks? Thankfully, yes. Installing a fountain which draws its water from the bottom of the lake can really help lower the temperature of the body of water as a whole. However, there are some ground rules. The fountain needs to be one with the least amount of water loss due to spray. Your main goal is to circulate the water and keep as much of it in the tank as possible. One more helpful tip to remember is that your fountain should only activate at night. For obvious reasons, running the fountain at night will lesson the chance of water loss due to heat/evaporation. This will increase the chance of cooling the lake throughout- instead of turning just the shallow and deep parts lukewarm.
Remember, fish need a place to hide from the heat. If they are too hot their metabolisms will speed up, thus hastening their death. Try and manage your cattle so that they do not focus on only one tank. Thinking long term and strategically is the only way to keep your valuable water present during this threatening weather.
When it rains, it pours…so let it rain.
