Remember August of last year? Who wouldn't? Record-breaking 100 degree days and no rain caused drought conditions all across North Texas.

The extended drought and hot temperatures also decreased Arlington's lake level to below 541 feet, causing lake officials to close boat ramps and restrict certain types of boating and recreational use.

There hasn't been a great deal of rain in Arlington since August to change these conditions much, that is, until this week.

On Monday, Jan. 23, the lake level was at 545.84 feet. Now, after two days of rain, the lake level is up six and a half feet to 552.36 feet.

While the last couple of days of good rain in Arlington benefited soil moisture and increased the local lake level, it is important to know it did not necessarily have an effect on raising the lake levels from where we get our water supply.

Arlington gets most of its water from two reservoirs 80 miles southeast of Dallas known as Cedar Creek and Richland Chambers. These two lakes are in different watersheds than Lake Arlington.

A few good rains in the Cedar Creek and Richland Chambers Reservoirs watersheds are still needed to increase our overall water supply.