The summer heat is putting a strain on livestock across the region, and ranchers in Raymondville are working to keep their animals hydrated.

Rancher Mitchell Thomas raises and sells bulls. He has several wells on his Raymondville ranch to make sure his livestock have fresh water.

"We have to stay more vigilant. Make sure cattle have access to fresh water and have shade where we need to have shade," Thomas said.

The windmills on his ranch pump water into the wells and then into the water troughs where the cattle drink. Thomas said groundwater levels have dropped at his ranch, and that can affect the quality of water.

"We are having to make sure we keep an eye on our windmills and keep an eye on our wells. Make sure, one, we are still in the water, but two, the quality of that water is good to sustain the livestock," Thomas said.

As water levels drop, the risk of salt contamination increases.

"You are more susceptible to these wells salting out, and as the volume goes down, we get more salt water penetrating those wells," Thomas said.

The latest drought monitor shows dry to moderate drought conditions in Willacy County. Channel 5 News Meteorologist Jay Martin said the area has not seen enough rain to make up for the dry conditions.

"That good amount that came through was less than an inch for them, and so if you think about it, if we had less than an inch and then only a quarter of an inch from here and there throughout the rest of the month, not a lot. We definitely need more," Martin said.

Martin said it would take a significant amount of rain to affect groundwater levels.

"It would take a good amount. They say a couple of inches to a couple of feet, which is something we really don't want to talk about, especially with the drought. You could worry about flooding, especially with a lot of the ground not being saturated," Martin said.

For Thomas, keeping his livestock hydrated is part of the job.

"We have to take care of our animals 24/7, 365. It is just like having pets. Many people say, 'Don't leave your pets in the car and make sure they have water.' We are the same deal. We are depending on these animals as our source of income," Thomas said.

Anyone who notices signs of heat stress in livestock, such as rapid breathing, heavy panting or drooling, should contact a veterinarian immediately.

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