Drought

A drought is a period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems. When rainfall is less than normal for several weeks, months, or years, the flow of streams and rivers declines, water levels in lakes and reservoirs fall, and the depth to water in wells increases. If dry weather persists and water-supply problems develop, the dry period can become a drought.

The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life.

 
 

Indoor Water Conservation

  • Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. For example, use it to water your indoor plants or garden.

  • Fix dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year.

  • Operate clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.

  • Check all plumbing for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber.

  • Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.

  • Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.

  • Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.

  • Don't rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, just remove large particles of food.

  • Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

  • Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

  • Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

  • Take short showers instead of baths. Turn on the water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.

  • Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

  • Instead of using the garbage disposal, throw food in the garbage or start a compost pile to dispose it.

Outdoor Water Conservation

  • Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, your plants won't need as much watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.

  • Don't install ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use re-circulated water.

  • Consider rainwater harvesting where practical.

  • Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.

  • Repair sprinklers that spray a fine mist.

  • Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.

  • Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper and holds soil moisture.

  • Plant drought-resistant lawn seed. Reduce or eliminate lawn areas that are not used frequently.

  • Don't over-fertilize your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.

  • If your lawn does require watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.

  • Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.

  • Use mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with plants for water.

  • In extreme drought, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs.

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