No one needs to tell Kansas farmers the state is suffering from drought. K-State Research and Extension says 90% of the State is in drought and 60% is in severe, extreme, or exceptional drought. Last year, less than 1% of the State was in that kind of drought. Also, blue-green algae blooms worsen in areas with a moderate drought because of the concentrated nutrients in low water levels and warmer water conditions which can be a concern for pets, livestock and humans. He says if you see something that looks like paint on the top of your pond or stream, you definitely want to get it checked out. Fish have adapted to live with the presence of blue-green algae and usually remain unaffected; but, the extension service says drought does negatively impact fish populations. A decrease in water surface area means less oxygen and more fish kills.
The severe impacts of drought in Western Kansas pose a threat to pheasant and quail populations as well. Nesting habitats are decreased when native grasses thin and food may become scarce with reduced broadleaf vegetation growth.
