How to Survive Drought: It is Not a Pretty Sight

It is not a pretty sight

Watching the lake levels drop, plants dying, and animals looking for water is just not a pretty sight.

But there will be times when your area will be called upon to survive a drought.

These are the times that show that preparation is the key to survival. It is best to prepare for a drought long before it happens.

That way you can fine-tune your system and make sure you and your family have enough water all the time.

Take a few minutes to see how the following information can help you be prepared for when drought strikes your city or area.

The Causes of Drought

Knowing the causes helps people look for ways to create alternative water storage or sources.

That motivation helps bring better water supplies to the city or area you live in.

Here are a few sources for drought:

1. Natural weather patterns- these change from era to era and when they take place it is because of a lack of moisture in the area.
2. Land and Sea temperatures- These changes help create the El Nino effect which changes the weather patterns in a region of the world
3. Deforestation and intensive farming- these changes in the environment contribute to a lack of moisture in the air which in turn results in a lack of rain. It also contributes to the soil losing moisture and the water tables shrinking. Without that moisture, the land loses its ability to help plants grow, etc.
4. Too much demand for water- with more and more people moving to specific cities, the demand for water goes up. This in turn lowers water storage facilities levels placing a huge demand for groundwater. When that happens the land loses the moisture and you know the rest

How to Survive a Drought – Tips

One of the best ways to survive a drought is by taking the right steps to not let one happen.

That is doing what you can with different water usage that is under your control.

Of course, this will help only some as weather patterns and El Nino’s effects are something you can’t control.

But doing what you can now, can help keep those uncontrollable sources of drought at bay for a little while longer.

Here are some tips to help you prevent a drought and survive one when it does happen:

#1. Save water

This is a big way to help stave off a drought.

Especially when enough people do the same conservation efforts as you do.

Here are ways to save water from just normal living:

1. Take shorter showers- instead of 20 minutes or longer showers take 10 minutes. You will still get clean and feel like you are doing your part to save water
2. Use a low flush toilet- most standard toilets take up to 5 gallons to flush your toilet. Go to a 1.5 gallon toilet and save
3. Do not use your dishwasher- these handy appliances use between 8 and 12 gallons of water every time you turn them on. Do your dishes by hand and save between 6 and 10 gallons of water
4. Keep your washing machine full- this great appliance uses up to 50+ gallons of water per load. Don’t just fill the washing machine 1/4 or 1/2 full of laundry. Fill it up so you can do 1 wash load instead of 2, 3, or more. Or wash your clothes by hand
5. Don’t run the water when you are brushing your teeth, shaving, or showering. Only turn it on when you need to lather up and rinse off.

Some minor ways to save water would be to not let the tap run when washing dishes or getting a drink or when washing fruit or other food items.

Use a water bowl for washing and put drinking water in the fridge

These little changes can save water big time and also save on your water bill.

#2. Stock up on water

Most people need about a gallon of water per day to survive.

That is your benchmark figure for when you store water.

Count your family members and then see how many gallons of water you will need to survive.

Rationing the stored water is one way to make your stock pile last longer.

Even if a drought is not on the horizon, develop a water storage system and then take the time to fine-tune it for better use when you do need the system.

Some people get 55-gallon drums and put water into it.

You can capture rainwater as well and use that to water your lawn, plants, and your pets.

That way you will save on city water.

#3. Leave your vehicles dirty

Washing your cars, boats and even RVs takes up a lot of fresh water.

Cut back on your car washing chores to save.

Instead of washing them once a week, cut back to once a month.

This action will also help you save on your water bill.

There is no shame in having a dirty vehicle or boat for a short period of time.

Surviving a drought suggestions

There are other ways you can use to contribute to everyone surviving a drought.

Here are some suggestions to help you find the best way you can make your contribution.

They are not that expensive either.

#1. Find Vacant Land and Plant More Trees

one of the reasons weather patterns have changed is because the rainforests are disappearing.

Planting more trees helps build up moisture and stops environmental degradation.

Also, you can plant fruit trees and stop using harsh chemicals that kill the soil and everything else.

#2. Use Water Twice

if there is another purpose where using used water can be helpful, do not pour it down a drain.

Use it to water plants and your grass, both indoor and outdoor garden areas.

#3. Install hot Water on Demand Water Heaters

This cuts down the amount of time it takes to heat up your water for a bath, shower, or doing dishes.

You lose a lot of water when you run the taps till the hot water comes out.

Heat on-demand water heaters give instant heat so you do not waste water.

#4. Insulate your Pipes

This will help stop wasting water by keeping it hotter longer.

You do not have to run the taps for long when the water is ready to go.

The insulation will also stop the pipes from cracking or breaking in the winter.

That protection stops large water loss.

#5. Stop the Leaks and Drips

You may not think it is a big deal, but even little water leaks can waste a lot of water when left un-repaired.

Just do the following repairs:

1. Dripping faucets– replace the washers in the aerator
2. Leaking faucets- either replace the whole tap or replace the seats and stems This goes for the bathtub and shower as well
3. Bathroom sink leaking or dripping- do the same as you did for the kitchen
4. Toilet running water- change the flushing system the tank’s inner works do wear out and lose their sealing power
5. Water lines- the ones running to your sinks and toilet should be replaced and use enough Teflon tape to seal the threads
6. Larger pipes- replace fittings and corroded or cracked pipes. This should be done by professional plumbers

How to spot a leak: The first step is to go to your water meter and shut your water off.

The second step will be to take a reading.

This is important as this information will help you find the leak.

Wait 2 hours and then take another leak.

If the reading did not change, then you do not have a leak.

If it did change, your next step is to hunt it down.

The best way to find the leak is to keep the water off.

That way you just have to find where the water is flowing from and mark it.

After that, go get the parts and supplies you need to make a repair or call in a plumber and let them fix it for you.

The Best way to Survive a Drought

Even if you practice all of these water conservation tips, you still need a water supply.

The best way to survive a drought is to develop a good water storage system that keeps the water fresh and ready to drink

Do not rely on your city’s water system as a drought will take their water supply as well.

Some final words

Being prepared is the key to surviving a drought.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to know how long they will last.

But if you have a good water storage system in place, you will have a good water supply waiting to help you make it through.

Do your research to find the best system for your living situation.

Not everyone can develop this system but everyone can make their contribution by lowering their water usage.

Originally posted 2022-07-30 23:49:22.