Making It Through The Drought
What you need to do to live through a drought.
Drought is a unique disaster in many of its characteristics. Unlike most water-related disasters, drought occurs from a lack of water, not too much of it. Rather than coming on suddenly, drought takes place over a period of time, and rather than happening in an isolated area, drought can happen almost anywhere in the world.
What Causes Drought
When there is inadequate rainfall, the balance between precipitation and evaporation becomes disrupted. This is when drought begins.
Water Conservation
When drought is at hand, water conservation is critical. If a drought occurs in your area, your local government will probably implement rules regarding water usage.
It’s important not to waste water during a drought. When brushing your teeth, don’t let the water run. Only run full loads of laundry and dishes and opt for showers instead of baths. You might not even be able to shower every day, depending on how severe the drought is and you definitely won’t be watering your lawn.
Sanitizing Water
In addition to conserving water during drought, it’s important to sanitize the water you use in order to avoid spreading disease. A good rule of thumb to follow is two drops of bleach for every quart of water or 1/2 a teaspoon bleach to every five gallons of water.
Checking Your Home
During a drought, it is important that you check your home to make sure that you are not inadvertently wasting water. Check toilettes for leaks, check sink faucets for dripping and check all pipes to make sure water is not leaking.
Storing Water
When storing water, do so in plastic containers. Water can grow bacteria so it is important that the containers are sealed and that you sanitize all stored water prior to its use. This will help avoid disease and illness.
By following the above advice, you’ll be able to make it through the drought should you find yourself in an area affected by the condition.