Cloud Seeding Figures Record Increase
According to Archie Ruiz of the Texas Weather Modification Association, his data show that Glasscock County’s 12.75 inch rainfall from the end of March through September 2004 was 1.40 inches above normal. He attributes the11 percent increase to the county’s cloud seeding program. Glasscock Groundwater Conservation District Manager Rick Harston reported the data to the GGCD’s board of directors at its meeting Feb. 15 (Kenneth Braden and Mike Hughes absent).
The county’s total 2004 rainfall as measured by the GGCD’s rain gauge network was 26.28 inches. Rainfall data taken from 35 rain gauges around the county is reported monthly to the water district.
Harston reported that the district’s auditor, Anna Thomas of San Angelo, is increasing her fee from $1,400 to $2,800, primarily because of increased complexity in auditing requirements. Board members asked Harston to “shop around” to determine if there is another auditor who will do the job for less, saying the increased fee seemed steep for the relatively small amount of money involved in the district’s operation.