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Natural Balanced Living & PrepareDness 

Drought Survival Preparedness

Survival conditions during a drought depend on the willingness of the community 
to share their resources, compassion and problem solving to find alternative sources. 
Since it is difficult to foresee when a drought will be finally over, residents have to 
take measures of restrictive water usage during a drought:

- Use an ultra-low-flow version instead of a shower head.

- Cut down the time spend in the shower and collect excess water in a container.

- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing hands.

- Some bathroom visits do not necessarily need flushing every time.

- Get out of the habit throwing paper into the toilet when you use it.

- Use dual flush toilets which save many gallons of water per week.

- Save rainwater in rain barrels.       

- Grey water can be recycled for irrigation purposes.

- Aerators should be installed on faucets to reduce water consumption.

- Fix dripping faucets. Washers need to be replaced when this problem persists.

- Plumbing leaks should be repaired.

- Appliances should be used that are more water efficient.

- Do away with your garbage disposal.

- Keep an eye on your well pump for leaks.

Ask yourself how you can assist your neighbors and also any pets in need. 
There is tremendous value in helping others and not only worrying about yourself. 
Every single resident in your community should be responsible enough to 
conserve water whenever possible in order to help solve the shortage of water 
that it is so vital for human existence and survival.

by Caroleena Blass

 

Water Conservation Innovations

 

Other Resources for Drought Emergencies

_______________________________________________________________________________

Ready.Gov About Droughts 

The following are suggestions and  preparedness checklist from the Ready.gov 
website for emergency preparedness at to what to do before and during droughts.

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.

Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
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 shower head 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

Check your well pump 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 buy water toys that require a constant stream of water.
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.

For More Information: Ready.Gov

Capture Rain Water

Emergency Checklist