Minnesota State Climatologist Greg Spoden writes about the 2012 drought’s lasting impact on the state in a report issued by the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. EXCERPT: “Minnesota is facing increased pressure on its water resources. This pressure is accentuated during drought. Minnesotans used a record amount of water in 2012. Even in a water-rich state such as Minnesota, conflicts over water emerge during dry periods . . . Agricultural irrigation is now the second largest user of groundwater in Minnesota. Two hundred crop watering permits were issued in 2012, twice the number from the previous year and reflecting an upward trend in irrigated acreage.” FULLREPORT: http://bit.ly/2uvSN1D
