How to conserve water when there’s a drought

When there’s a drought, it’s not just the plants that suffer. People are affected too.
Climate change increases the risk of droughts, which puts stress on our water supply. When that happens, officials in your community may tell you to ease up on your water usage.

There are many steps you can take to conserve water. While they’re especially useful during droughts, you can also do them year-round.

During a drought, it's especially important to consider how much water
you use every day. (Photo by icon0.com, courtesy Pexels)

Here are a few to follow when inside your home:

• Reuse your water: If it’s not soapy, take leftover water from your sink and pour it in a plant or garden.

• Turn it off: Don’t leave the water running while you’re brushing your teeth, washing dishes or shaving in the shower.

• Shop smart: When buying appliances, choose water-saving ones. Look for products with the WaterSense label, which are certified to be water-efficient. 

• Fill ‘em up: When you have to use big water-sucking appliances like a dishwasher or washing machine, wait until they’re full.

You can take also save water outside your home:

• Plant smart: Instead of grass, plant native ground covers, shrubs and trees with lower water demand.

• Pile it on: Use mulch to help keep water in the soil and control weeds.

• Keep it tight: Cover pools when not in use to reduce evaporation.

Your local and state officials will have more ideas and rules for you to follow during a drought, so be sure to pay attention. In the meantime, check out more tips here.