The impact of man-made pollution on weather patterns can sometimes have surprising results. In Texas, drought and heat have caused water levels to get so low that previously underwater caves and 19th-century ruins are surfacing for the first time in decades.
What’s wrong?
Low water levels in Canyon Lake outside San Antonio, Texas, have led to the reappearance of remnants of the towns of Hancock and Crane’s Mill, established in the 1850s. A series of previously hidden caves also appear.
The lake, which was created in 1958 to alleviate flooding, is now 18 feet below normal, the lowest level ever recorded in recent history, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Why is this concerning?
While some local residents are ambivalent about it, the disappearance of water is never a good thing amid the excitement over seeing historic sites again.
“It’s very sad to see it, but on the other hand it’s also cool to see some of the hidden caves,” one resident who works near the lake told CNN.
“I haven’t seen water levels this low since I moved here,” another resident said. “It’s actually kind of sad.”
Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had to close recreational activities around the lake due to falling water levels. “As lake levels drop, there will be an increasing number of underwater hazards, such as tree stumps and large rocks on or near the surface,” a spokesperson told CNN. “These hazards pose a greater risk to boaters and swimmers.”
What is everyone talking about?
Like local residents, Yahoo! Commenters found themselves conflicted.
One wrote: “I’m sorry but I wanted to take advantage of the lack of water, despite the difficulties it presented… but I did want to bring a metal detector.”
Another noted: “There are over 800 golf courses in Texas that use millions of gallons of water every year, which can be used to water crops and drink water. There is a global water shortage and we need to conserve water.”
Join our free newsletter good news and cool tip This makes it easy help yourself And help the planet at the same time.
