What to Do and What Not to Do During a Drought

With drought concerns resurging as the warm months return, let’s take a look at what to do and what NOT to do during an active drought.

Much of the western United States remains locked into drought in the early portions of meteorological summer, raising concerns as the warm season begins across much of the nation. With that in mind, let’s examine what you should and should not do during an active drought.

Conserve Water: Indoors and Out!

Water usage is a key concern during an active drought. In order to reduce your water footprint (and water bill!), some measures need to be taken. Take shorter showers during a drought, and similarly, turn off the tap when shaving or brushing your teeth. Avoid washing your car if possible, and never pour water down the drain when it could be used elsewhere, like for watering indoor plants. Be sure to fully turn off your faucets! A faucet that’s leaking one drop per second would waste 2,700 gallons of water in a full year.

Avoid watering your lawn if possible! A heavy rain can eliminate the need to water for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week. In extreme drought scenarios, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs.

Fire Prevention: Be Aware!

When water is scarce, plants dry out. This helps create favorable conditions for fire development, another major concern during a drought. To help prevent fires from starting, watch your actions! Don’t set off fireworks when conditions are dry, as an errant spark could quickly spread into a raging wildfire. The same goes for cigarette butts, charcoal grills and anything else that’s been ignited: a small mistake could lead to devastation. Be careful!

Follow Guidance from Local Officials

When local officials offer guidance, it’s best to heed their words. Follow along with any burn bans that have been put in place, and if there’s any official restrictions on water usage, be sure to heed them! The guidance has been put out for a reason, so listen to instructions from your local officials to protect yourself and the community.

Credit: Ready.gov, NWS
-----
Story Image via Pixabay