Threats & Emergencies

Drought

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Responding to Drought

Be sure to observe any local government water restrictions.
Be prepared for a drought ahead of time. Install low-flush toilets, use displacement devices in the toilet tanks and repair dripping faucets.
Farmers should contact their local Farm Service Agency for disaster assistance information.

Conserve Water in the Home

There are dozens of ways to conserve water. FEMA recommends the following five easy methods:

Install water-saving showerheads: A water-saving showerhead uses 3 gallons of water or less per minute. (The standard shower fixture uses 5-10 gallons of water per minute). By using a showerhead that uses 2 gallons of water per minute, you can save as much as 75 gallons of water during a normal 10-minute shower.
Install displacement devices in toilets: Displacement devices reduce the amount of water used in each flush but are not for newer, low-water use toilets, which use less than 3 gallons of water per flush.
- Toilet dams: Available from most utilities or plumbing supply stores, they typically save 2 gallons of water per flush.
- Displacement bags: Available from most utilities, these bags typically saves 1 gallon per flush.
- Water-filled plastic bottle: Weighted down with a few stones, they can be placed in the tank so as not to interfere with the flushing mechanism and save 1 gallon of water per flush. (Do not use bricks as displacement devices. Pieces can break off and permanently damage plumbing systems.)
Install faucet aerators: These reduce a typical 5-gallon per minute flow to 2 gallons per minute. In most households, kitchen and lavatory faucet aerators could reduce water usage as much as 60 gallons per month for a typical family of four.
Change water use patterns: Examine your personal use habits and change those patterns that waste water. Recommended conservation activities include:
- Using washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded.
- Using a pan when washing vegetables and dishes instead of letting water run continuously.
- Not allowing the water to run continuously when brushing teeth, washing hands, shaving or taking a shower. By turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, you can save as much as 14 gallons of water a day.
Find and Fix Water Leaks: Leaks often account for 10 percent of a consumer’s water bill. Make sure your home is leak free by taking a reading of your water meter when no water is being used in your home. Wait 30 minutes and then take a second reading. If the meter reading changed, you have a leak. Add food coloring in your toilet tank to check for toilet leaks. If you have a leak, the color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes.

Other Ways To Conserve Water In Your Home

Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it, such as watering indoor plants or your garden.
Turn faucets off completely to avoid drips and slow leaks.
Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.
Take short showers, not baths. Limit showers to 5 minutes or less.
Turn the valves under sinks to reduce the rate of water flow.
As you wait for shower water to heat up, collect the water in a bucket for watering plants.
Use tight fitting lids on pans when cooking to keep water from boiling away.
Cook food in as little water as possible.
Keep a covered bottle of water in the refrigerator for drinking so you won’t have to let the water run to get cold.
Insulate hot water lines.

Private Water Supplies

It is important for people who obtain their water supply from shallow water table wells to allow time for the well to recharge between periods of significant use.

Spread major water use activities throughout the week. For example, wash a load of laundry every day instead of a week's worth on Saturday.

Conserve Water Outside the Home

When water is extremely scarce, do not water your lawn or plantings or wash your car. Your community or individual water supply should be reserved for your most essential needs.
Plant native vegetation.
Group garden plants so they need less water or can be watered more efficiently. Keep gardens well weeded to eliminate competition for water.
Use mulch around shrubs and plantings.
Only water new, not established gardens and landscaping.
Water grass only when needed, soaking slowly and deeply, long enough for the water to reach the roots. Only water during cool hours. Morning is best.
Use trickle or drip irrigation methods.
Install automatic shut-off nozzles on all exterior hoses.
Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, steps and sidewalks.
When washing a car, use a mild non-toxic detergent, parking the car on the grass so the water is also used to water your lawn.
Don't refill outdoor swimming pools. Install a pool cover to minimize evaporation losses when not in use.