Water Conservation Tips Before a Drought

   Website
   https://www.ready.gov/drought#before
   U.S. Department of Homeland Security
   [[Content::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.
• Check all plumbing for leaks.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.
• 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.
• Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
• Raise the lawn mower blade to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper and holds soil moisture.
• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce water evaporation.

Note: Use the translation feature of your browser]]

   Drought
   Before
   English

View all Crisis Communication

Created: 22 September 2023
Last edited: 27 November 2023

Type:

Website

Publishing Organisation:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Languages

• English

Scenarios

• Drought

Disaster Management Phase

Before

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.
• Check all plumbing for leaks.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• 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.
• 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
• 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.
• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.
• 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.
• Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
• Raise the lawn mower blade to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper and holds soil moisture.
• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed.
• 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.
• 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.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce water evaporation.

Note:

Use the translation feature of your browser

Source

https://www.ready.gov/drought#before