The exceptional drought in South Texas is drying up water features park goers use to keep cool.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — We may be getting some rain Monday but South Texas needs a lot more to get out of what is being called an exceptional drought. New Braunfels and Landa Park are examples of springs that just aren’t flowing like they used to.
The wading pool at Landa Park is a place people go to dip their feet in the water to cool off on a hot day. But wading is virtually nonexistent as this area, just like most of south Texas, continues to suffer from water woes.
“It’s just a shame,” said Patricia Qaiyyim who has been coming to Landa Park for about 10 years. The Air Force veteran, and author of “Moms In The Military,” is spending her Memorial Day taking family pictures in this picturesque park.
“They have the train that comes through. It’s a great photo op for us as a family,” she said.
Qaiyyim said the incredibly low water levels are disheartening. “We’ve come and we’ve done the wading, and you just can’t do it,” she added.
People aren’t the only ones affected by the dreadful drought but also waterfowl.
“I think not only for us to enjoy but also, like the ducks aren’t able to have the water they need,” Qaiyyim said.
Without the water weeds are looking wild, the exposed bottom is murky and muddy and there’s a smell that smacks you in the face.
“Almost a moldy smell. I mean I think it’s a combination of things like the mud. There’s also the, you know, the animals are living in it. So it’s just a combination of, like sewage almost,” Qaiyyim said.
I asked Qaiyyim if she could think of any solution to the pool that isn’t even a pond, really, just a puddle.
“I really don’t know what we can do about it. I mean just hope for more rain,” she said.
But she says don’t let the lack of water deter your day.
“Come out. It’s still a great park. They have a lot of amenities out here whether you want to do a picnic with your family. Or you want to do the trails or you want to take the kids to the playground. There’s still a lot to do in Landa Park,” Qaiyyim said.
We reached out to the City of New Braunfels about the lack of water, but because of the Memorial Day holiday we didn’t hear back, but when we do we’ll let you know.