MAUMEE, Ohio — By now, it is well known that drought conditions are impacting agriculture across Ohio. But that isn't the only area feeling the effects of a lack of rain.
The drought is also having a visible impact on our rivers and streams. Extremely low water has been a common sight near Side Cut Metropark. With no true rain chances or relief expected soon, the hydrological system and ecosystem within the Maumee River could be at risk for many weeks to come if water levels are unable to return to normal.
Over the past month, it has been bone dry for all of the Buckeye State including northwest Ohio, as the lack of rain this month continues to be a topic of discussion for many. Agriculture and farming have been impacted heavily.
As the total dry days tally up, our rivers and streams could be in danger, but exactly how is this drought impacting our hydrological system right here in Toledo?
The severe drought has resulted in extreme water scarcity to the point where parts of the Maumee River have dried up.
With no imminent relief anticipated, the hydrological system of the Maumee River will continue to face adverse impacts this fall.
Dr. Aaron Wilson is a state climatologist and atmosphere scientist at Ohio State University. Wilson has been closely following how weather and climate is affecting hydrologic conditions across the state.
"The drought is creating stress on the water system as far as the specific amount of water that's left available that we haven't seen any large-scale water restrictions yet across the state," Wilson said. "There have been a few communities, especially in southern and in eastern Ohio, that have gone the voluntary water restriction route."
Water levels have been extremely low to where the foundation and water stain is even showing under the Conant Street bridge.
"The faucet is shut off and you are not getting rainfall," Wilson said. "And when you are not getting anything in July and August, but you're still losing that soil moisture from the surface, then you start decreasing that water supply."
If rain chances improve over the next couple of weeks, Wilson said that it will take an extended amount of time and energy for rivers, streams and agriculture to be back to normal and recover to full strength.
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