Preparing for a Community Emergency

Water Shortage

When our community is in a water shortage, these are ways you can help:

In the yard

  • Avoid watering your garden or lawn if there is rain in the forecast. Water early in the morning or late at night. Limit water to 1-4 hours per week.
  • Select drought-resistant plants, or native plants.
  • Install a rain barrel to catch rainwater for resuse.
  • Add mulch to your garden to reduce the amount of water that evaporates from the soil.
  • Mow the lawn less often. This will allow the long grass to shade the soil.
  • Point downspouts to the garden to make the best use of the rainwater.
  • Use good quality soil, that retains water.
  • Prioritize watering trees over shrubs or grass because the tree canopy will help the drought.
  • Check irrigation systems for leaks. 

Around the house 

  • Turn off the water when brushing teeth or shaving.
  • Run full loads of laundry and dishes.
  • Take short showers, and only fill the bathtub halfway.
  • Fill a pot to wash vegetables.
  • Scrape your plate rather than rinsing it.
  • Fix leaking taps or toilets.
  • Install low-flow faucets and showerheads.
  • Invest in high efficiency applicances.