Drought
A drought is a period of abnormally dry weather that persists long enough to produce serious effects (crop damage, water supply shortages, etc.). The severity of the drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, the duration, and the size of the affected area. Drought can affect vast territorial regions and large population numbers. In effect, drought is a silent but very damaging phenomenon that is rarely lethal but enormously destructive. Drought can ruin local and regional economies that are agricultural and tourism based. Drought also creates environmental conditions that increase risk of other hazards such as fire, flash flood, and possible landslides/debris flow. Poor water quality management can result in the demand for water exceeding the available supply. This can be exacerbated by fluctuations in regional precipitation, excessive water demand, or rapid residential development. Emergency water shortages can also be caused by contamination of a water supply. A major spill of a petroleum product or hazardous chemical on a major river can force communities to shut down water treatment plants. Although typically more localized, the contamination of ground water or an aquifer can also disrupt the use of well water.
Water conservation
Conserving water is very
important during emergency water shortages.
Water saved by one user may be enough to protect the critical needs of
others. Irrigation practices can be changed to use less water or crops that use
less water can be planted. Cities and
towns can ration water, factories can change manufacturing methods, and
individuals can practice water-saving measures to reduce consumption. If everyone reduces water use during a
drought, more water will be available to share.
1. Practice indoor water conservation:
General
• Never pour water down
the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing
washers. One drop per second wastes
2,700 gallons of water per year!
Bathroom
• Check all plumbing for
leaks. Have leaks repaired by a
plumber.
• Install a toilet displacement device to cut
down on the amount of water needed to flush.
Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet
flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to
the internal parts). Be sure
installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that
uses less than half the water of older models.
NOTE: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow
version.
• Do not take baths—take short showers—only turn
on water to get wet and lather and then again to
rinse off.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess
water for watering plants.
• Don’t let the water run while brushing
your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
• Don't flush the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other
similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
Kitchen
• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they
are fully loaded. Use the “light wash”
feature if available to use less water.
• Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one
with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of
chlorine bleach.
• Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very
well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing. Just remove large particles of food, and put
the soiled dishes in the dishwasher.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the tap run while you are waiting
for water to cool.
• Do not waste 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.
• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other
frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in
the refrigerator, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water
rather than running water from the tap.
• Kitchen
sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method
of disposing of food waste, or simply dispose of food in the garbage.
Laundry
• Operate automatic
clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the
size of your load.
Long-term
indoor water conservation
• Retrofit all household
faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• Consider installing an instant hot water heater
on your sink.
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss
and prevent them from breaking if you have a sudden and unexpected spell of
freezing weather.
• If you are considering installing a new heat
pump or air-conditioning system, the new air-to-air models are just as
efficient as the water-to-air type and do not waste water.
• Install a water-softening system only when the
minerals in the water would damage your pipes.
Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• When purchasing a new appliance, choose one
that is more energy and water efficient.
2. Practice outdoor water
conservation:
General
• If you have a well at home, check your pump
periodically. If the automatic pump
turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.
Car washing
• Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose that can be adjusted down
to a fine spray, so that water flows only as needed.
• Consider using a commercial car wash that
recycles water. If you wash your own
car, park on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time.
Lawn Care
• Don’t over water your
lawn. A heavy rain eliminates the need
for watering for up to two weeks. Most
of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
• Water in several short sessions rather than one
long one in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture.
• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn
and shrubs and not on paved areas.
• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Mist can evaporate before it reaches the
lawn. 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, shades the root system, and
holds soil moisture.
• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed.
• Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for
water. Apply fertilizers that contain
slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to
clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.
• Do not leave sprinklers or hoses
unattended. A garden hose can pour out
600 gallons or more in only a few hours.
Pool
• Consider installing a
new water-saving pool filter. A single
back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of
water.
Long term
outdoor conservation
• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses,
ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once
established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a
dry period without watering. Small
plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each
use. Micro and drip irrigation and
soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.
• Use
mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for
water.
• Avoid
purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
• Avoid
installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use
recycled water.
Participate in public water conservation
programs of your local government, utility or water management district. Follow water conservation and water shortage
rules in effect. Remember, you are
included in the restrictions even if your water comes from a private well. Be sure to support community efforts that
help develop and promote a water conservation ethic.
Contact your local water authority, utility
district, or local emergency management agency for information specific to your
area.