Montana's Painted Rocks Reservoir benefited from late summer rains and will be able to support local irrigation for a little bit longer, as reported by KULR.
"For us to extend the season, it's a do-or-die without it," said Randy Maxwell, a Painted Rocks irrigator and member of the Painted Rocks Water Users Association.
The summer rains boosted below-average water levels in the reservoir. JR Inman, president of the Painted Rocks Water Users Association, estimated that the rains provided 40 additional days of water for fishermen and irrigators. The state of Montana leases the water to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Painted Rocks Water Users Association.
The reservoir had been very low all summer long, weakening stream flows. According to KULR, Inman originally predicted that the water supply would be cut off three weeks earlier than the cutoff date in 2024, but the late summer rains helped extend the date through mid-September.
The rain did not raise the reservoir to an optimal level, but it allowed a greater flow to the rivers than was previously expected and alleviated local irrigation anxieties.
Generally speaking, reservoir levels play key roles in providing water and electricity to local populations, supplying water, and generating hydropower. When reservoir levels are low, it can result in reduced water levels for communities. This can affect agriculture, energy supply, and daily water use.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
Reservoirs are also important to local environments, supporting local ecosystems by managing water flow. When levels are low, it can disrupt the balance of the ecosystems and make them more vulnerable to extreme weather events.
The level of the Painted Rocks Reservoir is important because it plays a primary role in providing water to farms that grow food and to streams, affecting the health of the trout populations.
Both FWP and the Painted Rocks Water Users Association had to cut down on their water usage. "Especially on a year like this, we all gave up some," explained Maxwell, per KULR. "We didn't take everything that we had so we could maintain (the reservoir) level."
The late summer rains were great news for the Painted Rocks Reservoir and the community.
TCD Picks » Stasher Spotlight
💡Stasher's reusable food storage options make it easy and affordable to live life with less plastic
|
Would you install water-collecting hydropanels on your home?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Definitely 👍 
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
