Much of the United States is currently in a severe drought of historic proportions. These temperatures regularly peak, exposing half of the U.S. to heat waves and droughts. In California alone, conditions have reached levels unmatched by historical weather events. As events continue to unfold, many are wondering, how do you prepare for a drought in the United States?

What's Causing Droughts in America?

Two factors are thought to be the precursors to this bizarre drought: high temptation and dry soil. Since the western region relies primarily on meltwater from snowpack, dry soil can have a big impact on the water produced. This is because the water in the snow usually flows through the soil and expanses to the reservoir. However, given the current dry soil conditions in the western United States, water storage is insufficient. As temperatures continue to rise, the soil will continue to dry out, or dry out further. As the snow melts, the resulting water is simply absorbed into the ground before I have a chance to reach the reservoir.

How do you prepare for drought?

With both water utilities and governments operating in water crisis mode, attempts to conserve water have never been more effective. Citizens may not yet feel the initial consequences of the drought, but farmers are certainly paying the price. This does not mean that citizens have zero responsibility for the situation, even if they do not feel any consequences. The onset of water scarcity is only part of a larger problem that we will all face over time. Without water, it will be difficult for farmers to grow crops, leading to higher prices and reduced inventories in local markets. Ultimately, everyone will feel the burden of a prolonged drought. We have some tips on how you can play a role in conserving water during America's water crisis.

Outdoor water saving

There are several ways to conserve water during outdoor activities, especially when it comes to outdoor activities. For example, washing a car is an activity that wastes a lot of water. Unless you have a reverse osmosis machine that produces wastewater, you probably don't want to wash your car during a drought. However, collecting enough wastewater to wash your car takes a lot of time. This also applies to watering your lawn. If you must water your lawn, it's best to water it once a week, or even less during droughts.

Indoor water saving

Regularly checking for leaks around your home is an important task during a drought. This can be done by recording the reading on the water meter. If the reading changes within 30 minutes of using it, you know there is a leak to look for. Once you have determined that there is a leak, you should start investigating. Consider this: A single drop of water wastes 2,700 gallons of water annually. Even turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth can save several gallons of precious water every day.

Second, before pouring water down the drain, consider whether it can be used for other purposes. If you use water to soak produce, it can be used to flush toilets or water plants (if there is no soap residue). Wastewater from reverse osmosis water purification systems can also be used for a variety of purposes.

Maintain proper hydration

Keeping your body properly hydrated will go to great lengths to prepare for the worst during a drought. You don't want to dehydrate yourself, especially in drought conditions. Exposing yourself to prolonged dehydration can cause irreversible damage to your entire body. What are the signs to watch out for and how to prevent them?

Dehydration symptoms

Small symptoms can be signs of a bigger problem. This includes dry mouth, dry and chapped lips, decreased saliva production, dark yellow urine, and greatly reduced urine output.

Stay hydrated

Water filters are a great way to keep safe, healthy drinking water on hand. They fit easily into the refrigerator door or even on the kitchen counter.