Drought is what happens when rainfall is lower than normal for a long time. Droughts can last a single season, a whole year, or for many years and can affect a few hundred or millions of square miles.

Drought affects communities differently depending on

• Who lives in the community, because some people are more affected by drought than others based on things like health conditions and age
• What kind of water system the community has
• What rules the community has about water use
• Other economic and social factors

Severe drought can also affect air quality by making wildfires and dust storms more likely. Smoke from wildfires and particle pollution from dust storms can make anyone sick, but some people are at higher risk.

A drought is defined as "a period of abnormally dry weather sufficiently prolonged for the lack of water to cause serious hydrologic imbalance in the affected area." -Glossary of Meteorology (1959).

In easier to understand terms, a drought is a period of unusually persistant dry weather that persists long enough to cause serious problems such as crop damage and/or water supply shortages. The severity of the drought depends upon the degree of moisture deficiency, the duration, and the size of the affected area.

There are actually four different ways that drought can be defined.

Meteorological-a measure of departure of precipitation from normal. Due to climatic differences, what might be considered a drought in one location of the country may not be a drought in another location.

Agricultural-refers to a situation where the amount of moisture in the soil no longer meets the needs of a particular crop.

Hydrological-occurs when surface and subsurface water supplies are below normal.

Socioeconomic-refers to the situation that occurs when physical water shortages begin to affect people.

Lack of rainfall for an extended period of time can bring farmers and metropolitan areas to their knees. It does not take very long; in some locations of the country, a few rain-free weeks can spread panic and affect crops. Before long, we are told to stop washing our cars, cease watering the grass, and take other water conservation steps. In this situation, sunny weather is not always the best weather.

In the desert Southwest, weeks without rain are not uncommon. However, when the weeks turn to months, serious problems can arise. Because of the fact that much of our drinking water comes from snowmelt, a dry winter can have serious implications in terms of how much water is available for the following summer season. Most locations have sufficient water reservoirs to make it through one dry winter. The real problem becomes back to back dry winter seasons, similar to what is occurring during the 1998-2000 period of time. With two significantly below-normal precipitation winter seasons, reservoirs are becoming low and the fire danger rises as the forests dry out. However, summer rains can alleviate the situation, as the monsoon season typically develops by July.

The Dust Bowl days of the 1930's affected 50,000,000 acres of land, rendering farmers helpless. In the 1950's, the Great Plains suffered a severe water shortage when several years went by with rainfall well below normal. Crop yields failed and the water supply fell. California suffered a severe drought around 1970. Rainfall was below normal for 1 1/2 years, and by the time September 1970 arrived, the fire potential was extremely high and dangerous. Temperatures rose to near the century mark and fires broke out. Losses were in the tens of millions of dollars.

The worst drought in 50 years affected at least 35 states during the long hot summer of 1988. In some areas the lack of rainfall dated back to 1984. In 1988, rainfall totals over the Midwest, Northern Plains, and the Rockies were 50-85% below normal. Crops and livestock died and some areas became desert. Forest fires began over the Northwest and by autumn, 4,100,000 acres had been burned. A government policy called "Let Burn" was in effect for Yellowstone National Park. The result? Half of the park--2,100,000 acres were charred when a huge forest fire developed.

How do meteorologists predict droughts?

Meteorologists determine the onset and the end of a drought by carefully monitoring meteorological and hydrological variables such as precipitation patterns, soil moisture, and stream flow. To do this, meteorologists make use of various indices that show deficits in precipitation over periods of time.

Drought increases the risk for a diverse range of health outcomes. For example:

• Low crop yields can result in rising food prices and shortages, potentially leading to malnutrition.

• Dry soil can increase the number of particulates like dust and pollen that are suspended in the air, which can irritate the bronchial passages and lungs. 

• Dust storms can spread the fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever). 

• If there isn’t enough water to flow, waterways may become stagnant breeding grounds for disease vectors like mosquitos as well as viruses and bacteria.

• Drought's complex economic consequences can increase mood disorders, domestic violence, and suicide.

• Long-term droughts can cause poor-quality drinking water and leave inadequate water for hygiene and sanitation.

Drought is a prolonged period of dry weather caused by lack of rainfall, resulting in water shortage. Periods of drought can result in inadequate water supply and can lead to public health problems. Take action and learn how drought can impact your health and the health of your family.

Overview

Cycles of drought have affected North America for the last 10,000 years. Droughts can last from a single season to many decades and can affect from a few hundred to millions of square miles. With our climate continuing to change, historically dry areas of the U.S. are likely to experience an increased risk of drought.

Drought can affect areas or communities differently depending on several additional variables. These variables include:

• the structure and capacity of existing water systems,
• local governance of water use,
• urban vs. rural land use,
• economic development,
• the at-risk populations living in the affected area, and
• other societal factors, such as the presence of local social networks.

Public Health Implications

Severe drought conditions can negatively affect air quality. During drought, there is an increased risk for wildfires and dust storms. Particulate matter suspended in the air from these events can irritate the bronchial passages and lungs. This can make chronic respiratory illnesses worse and increase the risk for respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia.

The health implications of drought are numerous and far reaching. Some drought-related health effects are experienced in the short-term and can be directly observed and measured. However, the slow rise or chronic nature of drought can result in longer term, indirect health implications that are not always easy to anticipate or monitor.

The possible public health implications of drought include:

• compromised quantity and quality of drinking water;
• increased recreational risks;
• effects on air quality;
• diminished living conditions related to energy, air quality, and sanitation and hygiene;
• mental health effects related to economic and job losses;
• compromised food and nutrition; and
• increased incidence of illness and disease.

What Is Drought? 

Drought is a deficiency in precipitation over an extended period. It is a part of normal climate variability in many climate zones. The duration of droughts varies widely. Drought can develop quickly and last only for a matter of weeks, exacerbated by extreme heat and/or wind, but more commonly drought can persist for months or years.

There have been at least three major U.S. droughts in the last 100 years. Two of these, the 1930s Dust Bowl drought and the 1950s drought, each lasted 5-7 seven years and covered large areas of the country with significant impacts. Although hurricanes and tornadoes are more dramatic, droughts are among the most costly weather related events and the most far reaching. From 1980–2020, there were 285 weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion (CPI-Adjusted) each to affect the United States.

Drought may require safety precautions just like other weather hazards. Dry conditions often lead to brush fires or wildfires. Local officials may ask that you not burn brush or trash during dry conditions and comply with other safety precautions. In extreme fire conditions, officials may issue mandatory evacuation orders to protect your life. Always follow these directives. They could save your lives and the life of your family.

Types of Drought

Meteorological drought is based on the degree of dryness (rainfall deficit) and the length of the dry period.

Hydrologic drought is based on the impact of rainfall deficits on the water supply such as stream flow, reservoir and lake levels, and ground water table decline.

Agricultural drought is based on the impacts to agriculture by factors such as rainfall deficits, soil water deficits, reduced groundwater, or reservoir levels needed for irrigation.

Socioeconomic drought is based on the impact of drought conditions (meteorological, agricultural, or hydrological drought) on supply and demand of some economic goods. Socioeconomic drought occurs when the demand for an economic good exceeds supply as a result of a weather-related deficit in water supply.

The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact less than 1 percent is available for human use. The rest is either salt water found in oceans, fresh water frozen in the polar ice caps, or too inaccessible for practical usage. While population and demand on freshwater resources are increasing, supply will always remain constant. And although it's true that the water cycle continuously returns water to Earth, it is not always returned to the same place, or in the same quantity and quality.

The Water Around Us

Water plays a big role in supporting our communities. Without water there would be no local business or industry. Fire-fighting, municipal parks, and public swimming pools all need lots of water. An array of pipes, canals, and pumping stations managed by our public water systems are needed to bring a reliable supply of water to our taps each day.

Where does all this water come from? It starts out as rain or snow and flows into our local lakes, rivers, and streams or into underground aquifers. You can learn more about water in your state, including how it is being protected and where your local drinking water comes from.

Water in Daily Life

In the US, we are lucky to have easy access to some of the safest treated water in the world—just by turning on the tap. We wake up in the morning, take a shower, brush our teeth, grab a cup of coffee, and head out for the day. Water is an important part of our daily lives and we use it for a wide variety of purposes, but do we really understand how much we use?

• The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home. Roughly 70 percent of this use occurs indoors.
• Nationally, outdoor water use accounts for 30 percent of household use yet can be much higher in drier parts of the country and in more water-intensive landscapes. For example, the arid West has some of the highest per capita residential water use because of landscape irrigation.

Understanding Your Own Water Use

An easy to way to understand individual water use is to look at your water bill—not just the amount due, but how much water you used. Once you understand how much you use, the WaterSense calculator can help determine how much water your household could save if you switched to more efficient, WaterSense labeled products.

Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural & Electricity Water Use

It’s easy to forget that we also use water in ways we don't see every day. Water is used to grow our food, manufacture our favorite goods, and keep our businesses running smoothly. We also use a significant amount of water to meet the nation's energy needs. Learn more about what WaterSense is doing to help reduce commercial and institutional water use.

Communities Face Challenges to Meet Demand

Managing water is a growing concern in the US. Communities across the country are starting to face challenges regarding water supply and a need to update aging water treatment and delivery systems, sometimes referred to as "water infrastructure.” Many of the states that have projected population growth increases also have higher per capita water use and can expect increased competition for water resources.  Forty states told the Government Accountability Office in a 2014 report  that they expected to have water shortages over the next ten years that were not related to drought.  

Strains on water supplies and our aging water treatment systems can lead to a variety of consequences for communities, such as:

• Higher water prices to ensure continued access to a reliable and safe supply
• Increased summer watering restrictions to manage shortages
• Seasonal loss of recreational areas like lakes and rivers when the human demand for water conflicts with environmental needs
• Expensive water treatment projects to transport and store freshwater when local demand overcomes available capacity

Droughts Create Stress

Droughts happen somewhere in the country every year and climate change has the potential to increase stress on water resources. To create a more sustainable water future, cities and states are coming together to encourage water conservation and efficiency as a way to reduce demand.

Less Water Affects the Environment

When reservoir water levels get lower and ground water tables drop, water supplies, human health, and the environment are put at serious risk. For example, lower water levels can contribute to higher concentrations of natural and human pollutants.

Less water going down the drain means more water available in the lakes, rivers and streams that we use for recreation and wildlife uses to survive. Using water more efficiently helps maintain supplies at safe levels, protecting human health and the environment.

Water suppliers are doing their part to help their customers save water with programs like WaterSense and are also working to improve water efficiency for their own operations.

Water efficiency is the smart use of our water resources through water-saving technologies and simple steps we can all take around the house. Using water efficiently will help ensure reliable water supplies today and for future generations. Best of all, everyone can play their part in preserving our nation's water resources. With the simple steps and informational tools below, you'll find that it's easier than ever.

Save Indoors

Maybe you've purchased some WaterSense labeled products and started down the road to savings, but don't stop there. There are lots of things you can do in your own home to reduce water use and get more from less. Just follow our simple tips below to get started!

Fix a leak:

Small household leaks can add up to gallons of water lost every day. That's why WaterSense reminds Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems each year in March during Fix a Leak Week.

In the bathroom—where over half of all water use inside a home takes place:

• Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.
• Showers use less water than baths, as long as you keep an eye on how long you've been lathering up.
• If you’re dreaming of a Better Bathroom, get ready for your mini-makeover.
• Calculate how much you can save with WaterSense labeled products in the bathroom!

In the kitchen—whip up a batch of big water savings:

• Plug up the sink or use a wash basin if washing dishes by hand.
• Use a dishwasher—and when you do, make sure it's fully loaded!
• Scrape your plate instead of rinsing it before loading it into the dishwasher.
• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a running tap of hot water.
• Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.

In the laundry room—where you can be clean AND green:

• Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
• To save money on your energy bills, set your washing machine to use cold water rather than hot or warm water.

Save Outdoors

Of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the US, nearly 9 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor water use. In the hot summer months, or in dry climates, a household's outdoor water use can be as high as 70 percent.

In the yard—be beautiful and efficient:

• Create a water-smart landscape that is both beautiful and efficient to give your home the curb appeal you desire.
• Timing is everything! Knowing when and how much to water allows you to keep a healthy landscape.
• Anytime is a good time for a Sprinkler Spruce-Up to check that your system is in proper working order.
• Upgrade to a WaterSense labeled controller if you have an in-ground irrigation system.
• Find a certified irrigation professionals to install, maintain, or audit your irrigation system to ensure it is watering at peak efficiency.
• Take a look at the Landscape Photo Gallery for inspirational examples of beautiful, water-smart landscapes from across the country.

Other outdoor uses—drop that hose and keep it covered:

• Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing off.
• Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when the pool is not being used. And check out the Jump into Pool Water Efficiency guide. 

Drop it when it’s hot:

• Take action during the hot summer months when water use increases to curb water waste.  Get the facts on water use when it’s hot.
• If a drought is declared in your area, go the extra mile to save water.

Save Energy

It takes a lot of energy to deliver and treat the water you use every day for bathing, shaving, cooking, and cleaning. Homes with electric water heaters, for example, spend one-quarter of their electric bill just to heat water. As an example, letting your faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.  

On average, the annual energy used to deliver and treat water for only 10 households could power a refrigerator for more than two years. In some areas of the country, that estimate is very low. Heating water for showering, bathing, shaving, cooking, and cleaning also requires a considerable amount of energy. Homes with electric water heaters, for example, spend one-fourth of their total electric bills.

One of the simplest ways to save both water and energy is to install water-efficient products. WaterSense labeled products not only save water, but can help reduce your energy bills. Installing WaterSense labeled faucet aerators in your bathrooms, for example, costs just a few dollars but could save you enough electricity to dry your hair every day for a year! 

You can choose from thousands of models of WaterSense labeled plumbing products. What’s more, you can be sure the products will not only save resources, but will perform well. All WaterSense labeled products are tested and independently certified to ensure they meet EPA’s criteria for both efficiency and performance.

WaterSense labeled homes offer more savings compared to a traditional home. In addition to WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures, these new homes include ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers and clothes washers, if those appliances are installed when the home is built. Take a look at another infographic on how WaterSense labeled homes save water and energy.

With pervasive droughts, and high energy prices across the country, nearly everyone is looking for ways to conserve resources and cut costs. The good news is that by using a little "water sense" we can all save water, energy, and money. Start saving both water and energy! Look for WaterSense labeled products and ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances that use water.

Did You Know?

It also takes water to create energy. Vast amounts of water are used to cool the power plants that generate electricity. In fact, it takes 3,000 to 6,000 gallons of water to power a 60-watt incandescent bulb for 12 hours per day over the course of a year!

Look for the Label and Save

The average family spends $1,100 per year in water costs, but can save $350 from retrofitting with WaterSense labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances.  A full-sized ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer uses 13 gallons of water per load, compared to the 23 gallons used by a standard machine.  That's more than 3,000 gallons of water, per year!  Also, when we use water more efficiently, we reduce the need for costly investments in water treatment and delivery systems.

The WaterSense label will help you identify high-efficiency products, homes, and programs. These water efficient options provide the same performance and quality you've come to expect, but with the added benefit of water savings.  WaterSense labeled products are backed by independent third party certification and meet EPA's specifications for water efficiency and performance. So, when you use WaterSense labeled products in your home or business, you can be confident you'll be saving water without sacrifice.

Drought poses many and far reaching health implications. Some drought-related health effects occur in the short-term and can be directly observed and measured. But the slow rise or chronic nature of drought also can result in longer term, indirect health implications that are not always easy to anticipate or monitor.

Water

Reduced stream and river flows can increase the concentration of pollutants in water and cause stagnation. Higher water temperatures in lakes and reservoirs lead to reduced oxygen levels. These levels can affect fish and other aquatic life and water quality.

Runoff from drought-related wildfires can carry extra sediment, ash, charcoal, and woody debris to surface waters, killing fish and other aquatic life by decreasing oxygen levels in the water. Many parts of the United States depend on groundwater as a primary source of water. Over time, reduced precipitation and increased evaporation of surface water mean that groundwater supplies are not replenished at a typical rate.

Food and Nutrition

Drought can limit the growing season and create conditions that encourage insect and disease infestation in certain crops. Low crop yields can result in rising food prices and shortages, potentially leading to malnutrition.

Drought can also affect the health of livestock raised for food. During drought, livestock can become malnourished, diseased, and die.

Air Quality

The dusty, dry conditions and wildfires that often accompany drought can harm health. Fire and dry soil and vegetation increase the number of particulates that are suspended in the air, such as pollen, smoke, and fluorocarbons. These substances can irritate the bronchial passages and lungs, making chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma worse. This can also increase the risk for acute respiratory infections like bronchitis and bacterial pneumonia.

Other drought-related factors affect air quality, including the presence of airborne toxins originating from freshwater blooms of cyanobacteria. These toxins can become airborne and have been associated with lung irritation, which can lead to adverse health effects in certain populations.

Sanitation and Hygiene

Having water available for cleaning, sanitation, and hygiene reduces or controls many diseases. Drought conditions create the need to conserve water, but these conservation efforts should not get in the way of proper sanitation and hygiene.

Personal hygiene, cleaning, hand washing, and washing of fruits and vegetables can be done in a way that conserves water and also reduces health risks. Installing low-flow faucet aerators in businesses and homes is one example of how to reduce water consumption while maintaining hand washing and other healthy hygienic behaviors.

Recreational Risks

People who engage in water-related recreational activities during drought may be at increased risk for waterborne disease caused by bacteria, protozoa, and other contaminants such as chemicals and heavy metals. Exposure can occur through accidentally or intentionally swallowing water, direct contact of contaminants with mucous membranes, or breathing in contaminants.

Untreated surface water can be a health threat in drought conditions. In untreated surface waters, some pathogens, such as a type of amoeba (Naegleria fowleri), are more common during drought because low water levels may create warmer water temperatures that encourage their growth.

As the levels of surface waters used for boating, swimming, and fishing drop, the likelihood of injury increases. Low water levels in lakes can put people at risk for life-threatening injuries resulting from diving into shallow waters or striking objects that may not be immediately visible while boating. Low surface water levels can also expose potentially dangerous debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Infectious Disease

Increases in infectious disease can be a direct consequence of drought.

• Viruses, protozoa, and bacteria can pollute both groundwater and surface water when rainfall decreases. People who get their drinking water from private wells may be at higher risk for drought-related infectious disease. Other groups also at increased risk include those who have underlying chronic conditions.

• Acute respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses are more easily spread from person to person when hand washing is compromised by a perceived or real lack of available water. During water shortages, the risk for infectious disease increases when hygiene is not maintained.

• E. coli and Salmonella are examples of bacteria that during drought can more readily contaminate food and cause infectious disease. Food can serve as a vehicle for disease transmission during a drought because water shortages can cause farmers to use recycled water to irrigate their fields and process the food they grow. When used to grow crops, improperly treated water can cause a host of infectious diseases (such as those caused by toxin-producing E. coli and Salmonella), which can be life-threatening for people in high-risk groups. In addition, the likelihood of surface runoff, which can occur when rain fails to penetrate the dry and compacted soil that often accompanies drought, can cause the inadvertent contamination of crops.

• Other infectious disease threats arise when drought leads to the contamination of surface waters and other types of water that are used for recreational purposes. When temperatures rise and rainfall declines, people are more likely to participate in water-related recreation. Persons exposed to contaminated recreational waters are more likely to become infected with pathogens that thrive in the shallow warm waters that exist during drought conditions.

Chronic Disease

Conditions associated with drought may negatively impact people who have certain chronic health conditions such as asthma and some immune disorders.

Drought-related changes in air quality, such as increased concentrations of air particulates and airborne toxins resulting from freshwater algal blooms, can irritate the eyes, lungs, and respiratory systems of persons with chronic respiratory conditions.

Changes in water quality, such as increased concentrations of contaminants, can threaten persons whose immune systems are compromised.

Diseases Transmitted by Insects and Animals

In periods of limited rainfall, both human and animal behavior can change in ways that increase the likelihood of other vectorborne diseases. For instance, during dry periods, wild animals are more likely to seek water in areas where humans live. These behaviors increase the likelihood of human contact with wildlife, the insects they host, and the diseases they carry

Drought reduces the size of water bodies and causes them to become stagnant. This provides additional breeding grounds for certain types of mosquitoes (for example, Culex pipiens). Outbreaks of West Nile virus, which is transmitted to humans via mosquitoes, have occurred under such conditions. Inadequate water supply can cause people to collect rainwater. This can lead to collections of stagnant water that can become manmade mosquito breeding areas.

Watch for signs and symptoms of drought

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years.

Before 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 Tips Before a Drought

GENERAL

• 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.
• 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.
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

BATHROOM

• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models.
• 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. Make sure it does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

KITCHEN

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

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips Before a Drought

GENERAL

• If you have a well pump, check it periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.
• 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.
• Contact your local water provider for information and assistance.

LAWN CARE

• 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.
• Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs and flowers.

• Water manually in fall and winter only if needed.
• Use mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with plants for water.
• Invest in a weather-based irrigation controller—or a smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller.

POOL

• Install a 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 water evaporation.

During a Drought

Always observe state and local restrictions on water use during a drought. Contact your state or local government for current information and suggestions.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips During a Drought

BATHROOM

• 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.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.

LAUNDRY

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

KITCHEN

• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature 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.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
• 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.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips During a Drought

LAWN CARE

• 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.
• Check the soil moisture levels with a soil probe, spade or large screwdriver. You don't need to water if the soil is still moist. If your grass springs back when you step on it, it doesn't need water yet.
• 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 a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.
• Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.
• In extreme drought, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs.

CAR WASHING

• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• If you wash your own car, use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.

A drought is a normal, reoccurring weather event that can vary in intensity and duration by region of the country and even by location within a state. Drought occurs when there is lower than average precipitation over a significant period of time, usually a season or more. Other causes of drought can be a delay in the rainy season or the timing of rain in relation to crop growth.

Drought is a slow-moving hazardous event, so the psychological effects of living through this type of disaster are more subtle and last longer than with other natural disasters. Low water availability creates shortages in water supplies that impact various activities and the environment. The impact is even greater as humans place demands on water supplies. Additionally, drought conditions increase the risk of other natural disasters, such as wildfires, and landslides.

Warning signs for emotional distress related to drought may include:

• Feelings of overwhelming anxiety
• Constant worrying
• Trouble sleeping and other depression-like symptoms
• Disputes between people over limited water supplies
• Health concerns related to dust, low water flow, or poor water and air quality
• Financial concerns related to crop failures, low supply and demand of agricultural-related products, or rising food prices

These are common responses to disasters such as droughts, although reactions can vary. Learn more about warning signs and risk factors for emotional distress related to drought and other disasters.

Who is at Risk for Emotional Distress?

Severe and ongoing droughts can have significant economic, environmental, agricultural, health, and social consequences. For example, record high temperatures and very low rainfall in California has resulted in extreme drought conditions since 2012. The drought, considered one of the most severe on record, is crippling California’s water supplies and agricultural industry. Also, the 2012 drought, often compared to the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, impacted 60% of the continental United States and resulted in billions of dollars in agricultural loss.

People at risk for emotional stress due to effects of drought include:

• Farmers, landscapers, garden supply owners, and others working in agriculture and their families. This group already carries a certain amount of stress from working in a business that is dependent on weather or climate conditions for their livelihood. The financial implications of drought can have significant adverse effects as they struggle for economic survival.
• People living in rural or remote areas. These individuals may get water from private wells or poorly maintained municipal systems.
• Older adults. Older adults are typically more prone to heat-related stress and are likely to have chronic medical conditions that change their normal body response to heat.

Remember, too, that the anniversary of a disaster or tragic event can renew feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness in disaster survivors. Certain sounds such as sirens can also trigger emotional distress. These and other environmental sensations can take people right back to the event, or cause them to fear that it’s about to happen again. These “trigger events” can happen at any time.

Most people who experience disasters are able to recover quickly, but others may need additional support to move forward on the path of recovery. Finding ways to manage stress is the best way to prevent negative emotions from becoming behavioral health issues. Learn about coping tips for dealing with drought and other types of disasters.