Drought Effects

• What is a Drought?
  
  
• Drought Effects
  
  
• How to Conserve Water

A drought is an unusually persistent period of dry weather that depletes soil water. This results from a combination of many days without rain and high consumption of water.

Droughts have an adverse environmental, economic impact on dropping ground water levels, rivers, reservoirs and soil moisture. Lack of precipitation for long periods of time can cause serious problems, such as water supply shortages, crop damage, livestock and fishery losses. With severe water shortages, there is an increase in the number of wildfires.

Areas that are more susceptible to drought effects must be able to conserve fresh water and determine the difference between essential and non-essential uses of water.

• Reduce your time in the shower.
  
  
• Don't pour water down the drain, if it can be used for another purpose.
  
  
• Home faucets and toilets should be checked for leaks.
  
  
• If possible, old model toilets should be replaced with low volume toilets.
  
  
• To make an old toilet more water efficient, place a brick or other solid object in the toilet tank to reduce the amount of water that is flushed.
  
  
• While brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving don't keep the water running.
  
  
• Install ultra-low flow shower heads.
  
  
• Automatic dishwashers should be fully loaded before running.
  
  
• When washing dishes by hand, use two containers, one for soapy water and one for rinse water.
  
  
• Automatic washing machines should be fully loaded and the water level set for the correct size of your wash load.
  
  
• All household faucets should have aerators with flow restrictors.
  
  
• Installing instant water heaters should be considered.
  
  
• Water pipes should be insulated to prevent from freezing.
  
• When minerals in the water could damage your pipes, install a water softening system.
  
  
• When on vacation, turn off your water softener.
  
  
• When buying a new appliance, make sure it is energy and water efficient.

• Lawns should not be over watered. If there has not been much precipitation, it is recommended to water your lawn every 5-7 days in the summer. Water every 10-14 days in the winter.
  
  
• To determine the amount of water your lawn needs, you can purchase a rain gauge (lawns need only one inch of water per week).
  
  
• Use a shut-off nozzle for your hose to keep the watering from running.
  
  
• Instead of washing your car at home, consider using a commercial auto wash that recycles water.
  
  
• If you have a well, check it periodically. If your well pump turns on and off when you are not using water, you most likely have a leak. Get it repaired as soon as possible.
  
  
• Drought resistant plants that are native to your area should be planted. They will require less water and will not have drought damage because of dry conditions.
  
  
• For better water efficiency, use irrigation devices such as, drip irrigation or soaking hoses.
  
  
• To retain moisture in the soil, use mulch to cover the ground.
  
  
• Toys that require a constant stream of water should be avoided.
  
  
• Ornamental water features such as fountains, should not be used if they do not recycle the water.
  
  
• Pools and spas should be covered to reduce evaporation of the water.
  
  
  
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