Drought Conditions

Under Drought Conditions, individuals are asked to continue their voluntary conservation of water. The objective of voluntary water conservation under a Drought is to reduce individual water use by 10 percent, or down to 56 gallons per person per day.

Nonessential Water Uses

The following water uses are considered nonessential during drought and water rationing:

• Watering lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, and outdoor plants
• Washing paved surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, driveways, garages, parking areas and patios
• Washing vehicles
• Serving water in eating places, unless specifically requested by the individual
• Filling and topping off swimming pools or ornamental ponds. Water may be used to top off ornamental water gardens or fishponds to the minimum extent necessary to maintain fish and aquatic life.

Drought Conservation Measures

To conserve water during a drought, there are many things you can do:

• Keep an empty container near sinks. Put it under the faucet while waiting for water to warm up. Pour any leftover water from cooking or drinking into it. Use water for plants.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch water that is wasted while waiting for the shower water to warm up.
• Take dirty water from birdbaths, flower vases, or pet dishes and reuse on potted plants.
• Instead of using hot water to defrost foods, defrost foods in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave.
• Keep your garden weed-free, since weeds use available water in the soil.
• When it rains, leave buckets outside to collect water for washing cars and watering plants and gardens.
• Position downspouts, with extensions if needed, so rainwater runs onto the lawn or into the garden.
• If you have a dehumidifier, use the water it collects to water plants and gardens.