WHAT ARE DROUGHT EFFECTS?
Some of the environmental effects include: lowered reservoir and ground-water levels, low streamflows; exposed shoreline, water quality problems, and impaired fish and wildlife habitats. Extended dry weather also heightens the danger of fire. Water resource quantity and/or quality reductions affect people directly and indirectly. If bacterial or other contaminants affect water supplies, unpleasant taste or odor may result. Other effects may include increased water costs, and water usage restrictions may have to be enforced by public officials. WATER CONSERVATION TIPS: Flush toilets less often. They are the largest home water users, as much as 40%. Take short showers and do not overfill tubs. Showers use 5-10 gallons per minute. Place a bucket in the shower to collect water for plants. Don’t let water run while shaving, brushing teeth, or hand-washing clothes and dishes. Wash clothes and dishes in fully loaded machines only. Repair leaky faucets both indoors and outside and turn them of
