5 Important Ways to Combat Droughts and Conserve Water

A lot of people take water for granted. They think it’ll be there at their beck and call whenever they need it. But for a lot of people all over the world, and even in the United States, that’s not necessarily the truth. We must preserve water just like any other natural resource. Water shortages and droughts don’t just hurt agriculture; they also put entire communities at risk. From fighting water shortages with industrial water pumps to conserving water across farms and in individual homes, there are a few ways to combat droughts.

Drought Types

First, it’s important to understand that there are four main types of drought. These include:

• Agricultural: When the available moisture isn’t enough to sustain crops
• Hydrological: When surface water and groundwater are below their typical ranges
• Meteorological: The most typical drought people think of, this is when an area gets less rain than the region typically receives.
• Socioeconomic: When the clean water supply doesn’t meet the community’s needs

Conservation Efforts to Prevent Droughts

Utilize the Water You Have

One of the best things you can do to conserve water and combat droughts is to utilize the water you have. Don’t let any water go to waste—farmers and homeowners alike, for example, can harvest rainwater and use it to water plants or crops. For municipalities and farms, think about using industrial water pumps to transfer water from one location to another. This can help in both agricultural and socioeconomic droughts.

Irrigate Slowly

For both farmers and home gardeners, it’s important to irrigate slowly. Slowly soaking plants, gardens, and fields encourages plants to develop deeper root systems, which will help them survive longer and tolerate droughts. Try to avoid any sort of puddling, and recognize that the heavier your soil is, the more important slow soaking is for preventing runoff and puddling.

Modify Lawn Care

Another important way to conserve water is to modify your lawn care routine. You can still cut your grass, but try cutting it at the higher end of recommended ranges. Taller grass will better shade the soil, which reduces the rate of evaporation. This will help conserve water. You may also want to think about how often you truly need to water your lawn and plants. You may be able to shut off your sprinklers sooner than you think.

Repair All Leaks

A great way to combat droughts is to repair any leaks. This may seem like a small thing, but it can make a large impact for homeowners, farmers, and municipalities. You should take care of any leaks as soon as you notice them. From leaks in sprinkler hoses to small leaks in water pumps, these can waste a lot of quality, vital water.

Avoid Overuse

Finally—and this may seem obvious—do your best to avoid overusing water. Limit the amount of water you use each day, from how long you keep the sprinklers going to how long you keep the water running while showering. Even the smallest things can play a role in combatting droughts.