What is a hydrological (water) drought?  [Top of page]

Hydrological droughts occur when the water typically available in sources such as aquifers, lakes and reservoirs falls below the average for a particular region or area.  The severity of this type of drought depends on three factors:  the overall amount of precipitation during the drought, the actual length of time the drought lasts, and the area where the drought occurs. 

There are physical signs that indicate the approach or occurrence of a hydrological drought, including:

• Water levels in streams, rivers, lakes and ponds may deplete due to reduced flows and evaporation into the air.  These water levels would continue to deplete and could even dry up without replenishment from precipitation.
   

• Aquifers, which store and send ground water to wells, may lower significantly if there is no precipitation to replenish them.  Some wells may even become completely dry under extreme periods of heat.
   

• Grass, leaves and gardens may wilt and turn brown in color during droughts.  Some trees and shrubs may even drop their leaves early without rain to relief them from extreme dry conditions.

Are we currently in a drought?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) monitor and report on current conditions.  For information on our current status, visit NOAA drought information or USGS drought info.

What are water-use restrictions?  [Top of page]

A water-use restriction is a request and on rare occasions, a mandate that tap water consumers including residents or businesses follow specific water conservation actions to reduce their average daily use.  One reason this restriction occurs is because a particular region is experiencing drought-like conditions and water supplies are depleting.  Often times this type of restriction applies only to outdoor water-use, which may be called a watering ban.

For more information on water-use restrictions, please contact your local water supplier or utility.
 

What you can do to conserve water.   [Top of page]

There are many articles and factsheets available to residents and commercial operations that provide tips for conserving water on the average day, in addition to during dry weather.  A few of these documents and links to their web sites are provided below for your convenience.

Information for Public Water Systems
State of Ohio Emergency Operations Plan: Drought Incident Annex
Ohio EPA, DDAGW Preparedness
Ohio Emergency Management Agency
Ohio EPA District Offices
 

 Last revised: 06/10/2008