Drought Conditions – How You Can Help

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall. As of January 14, 2021, the National Drought Mitigation Center reports 100% of the country is experiencing some level of drought, with nearly 50% of the country in a moderate or worse drought condition.

The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water.

Do your part to help conserve by increasing your water-awareness:

Conserve with bluebot

• Set bluebot’s coaching program to a higher savings goal
• Configure multiple usage alerts in the bluebot water app to avoid leaks and excess usage
• Use bluebot to monitor your hand-watering

Fixtures

• Check fixtures for leaks and dripping faucets. One drop per seconds wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year
• Choose appliances that are energy and water efficient
• Consider low-flow/low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version
• Install a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180-250 gallons of water

Habits

• Instead of using the garbage disposal, throw it in the garbage or consider starting a compost bin!
• Avoid pouring water down the drain when there could be another use for it
• Cover pools and spas to reduce water evaporation
• Only run the dishwasher when fully loaded, or use the “light wash” feature to use less water
• Hand wash dishes by filling two containers – one with soapy water and another with rinse water
• Clean vegetables in a bowl or pan filled with water rather than running the water from the tap
• Don’t pre-rinse dishes before placing in the dishwasher, simply remove large food particles and clean your dishwasher trap more often

Gardening

• Avoid watering mid-day to avoid evaporation and possible burn. Early morning or late-afternoon/evening are the more water conscious and will line up best with your garden’s natural growth cycle
• Plant native and drought-tolerant plants in your garden
• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs instead of paved areas
• Repair sprinklers that spray a fine mist
• Try reducing your irrigation schedule after monitoring with bluebot to find a happy medium for your plants and your water usage/bill
• Don’t over-fertilize your lawn, it will increase the need for water
• Reduce irrigation in the fall, and consider turning it off in the winter
• Use mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture in the soil
• Instead of the hose, use a broom or a blower to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk
• Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out up to 20 gallons a minute, or nearly 1,200 gallons in just one hour.
• Water in several shorter sessions rather than one long one. This will allow your lawn and garden to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.
• Avoid washing your car at home (or use a bucket), and support a local car wash that recycles water if available

As drought conditions across the U.S. and the globe continue to become more extreme, you can do your part to help lessen the effects of the growing water crisis. Make small, sustainable changes to your daily routines. Invest in products and solutions to help reduce and monitor your water usage.

Sources: Drought Monitor, Ready.gov