How to Survive a Drought

Since the drought in the southeastern United States began last year, most southerners have had to make lifestyle adjustments to accommodate for the lack of water. If Georgia hadn’t received at least an inch of rain only days before the close of 2007, the state would have broken a record of the driest period of all time in their history.

Georgia may not have broken the record, thanks to some needed, last-minute rain, but it was the driest year in almost 100 years. They learned to cope, and so can others who experience ongoing drought conditions. Here are a few ways you can cope when rain doesn't fall.

Changes in Landscaping During a Drought

• Postpone landscaping. If you're thinking of building a home in an area plagued with drought conditions, it's best to postpone putting in a landscape, or consider a rock garden. On the other hand, if you do go ahead and landscape, be sure to select drought-tolerant plants and grasses, and reduce the areas where you'll put down a lawn.

• Mulch. Mulch to conserve water, by spreading lawn clippings and leaves around your plants. Besides conserving water, mulching also controls weeks, which compete for water.

• Sweep your sidewalk. Instead of washing down your sidewalks, use a broom. Also, save your old dishwater to water plants.

Changes in Housekeeping during a Drought

• Wash clothes less often. Don’t change your clothes as often, so you can cut back on the number of times per week you do the laundry. When you do your laundry, throw in as many clothes in the washing machine as possible, to reduce the number of loads. Also, wash with cold water (when possible), as well as select warm water rather than hot. If you're in the market for a new washing machine, choose a front loading machine. It's a better choice when undergoing a drought, as a front loading machine saves in both water and electricity.

• Wash dishes by hand. It's best not to use your dishwasher that much, as it uses about 14 gallons of water per load. However, if you must use a dishwasher, be sure to wash only when your machine is full, not wasting precious water for only a few items.

• Create compost piles. If you use a garbage disposal, do so in moderation. On the other hand, instead of using your food disposal, create a compost pile, as you'll waste less water. What's more, you'll have compost for your landscaping.

• Use a car wash. Instead of washing your car, yourself, take it to a car wash where recycled water is used. If you're worried about the added expense, cut back on the number of times you wash your car.

How Businesses Have Conserved Water

For example, motels have cut back on the times they washed sheets, as well as adjusted the water pressure on motel showers so not as much water was used when motel guests showered.

The Georgia Aquarium drained some of its watery displays in an effort to conserve water. The popular aquarium in Atlanta, which houses the world’s largest fish tank, also drained a lake, turning off a waterfall, as well as emptying a moat at an exhibit, which they substituted for sand.

If you've endured the drought of 2007, encourage yourself by knowng that the drought probably won’t last forever. However, by incorporating some simple changes, you can cope, as well as learn new ways of doing simple, everyday tasks.

The 2007 drought of the Southeast

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