ROBERT LEE, Texas –  The worst Texas drought since the 1950s is drying up lakes, emptying reservoirs and leaving some towns facing a grim prospect — running out of water.

Worst-case scenarios have communities like Robert Lee becoming bone-dry in a matter of months. The West Texas town's only water supply is a lake that is fast becoming a mud hole under constant 100-degree temperatures and no rain.

State environmental officials say that having nearly 500 water systems under mandatory restrictions is unprecedented. Robert Lee and at least three dozen other communities have banned anything beyond drinking, bathing and keeping businesses working.

Near Dallas, the city of Kemp shut off every faucet for two days this month to fix pipes bursting in the hardening and shifting soil. The city remains under severe water restrictions.