**** Via Environment Canada
Droughts can lead to:
Lower levels of drinking water
Loss of commercial, industrial, and agricultural production
Decreased water quality and reduced hydroelectric production
Dry conditions which can lead to respiratory illnesses
Increases in food-borne, water-borne, and vector-borne (caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria) illnesses
Increased risk of wildfires
Less fish and wildlife habitat
How to prepare before a drought
Consider your water needs when you prepare for emergencies:
Prepare your emergency kits. Learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can take right away
Make a household emergency plan. Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, children, pets, and anyone with special health needs
Keep drinking water in your emergency kit. You may want to also keep water for pets, hygiene and cleaning
If you have a farm, understand the amount of water you need and how to conserve water
Where to get information
Knowing where to get information on droughts in your area is another key part of staying prepared. Stay informed with these resources:
The Canadian Drought Outlook includes maps that provide a monthly drought forecast
The Canadian Drought Monitor is Canada’s official source for the monitoring and reporting of drought in Canada
Get your drought rating based on a variety of federal, provincial, territorial, and regional data sources
Other resources and tools such as monthly or historic maps showing drought across Canada
Check for provincial, territorial, or municipal information to help prepare for drought
Stay informed about how drought may be increasing wildfire risk in your area
Conserving water
The following are best practices to consider in order to conserve water and help you and your community prevent or at least minimize the effects of drought, and prepare for it.
Repair all leaks in taps and toilets
Install low consumption toilets, dishwashers, shower heads, etc.
Check for leaks in outdoor pipes, faucets, and hoses
Consider installing rain barrels to collect rain water from the roof, which can be used to water gardens and flush toilets
Choose drought-resistant trees and plants
If you have a pool, use a water-saving pool filter
Learn if drought may increase wildfire risk around your home
If you rely on a well for water
Know the history of your well and understand your water needs
Be aware of seasonal influences on water levels (e.g. monitor water levels early in spring and check levels throughout the summer to store water for potential drought conditions)
Monitor rain gauges, well water and municipal notices regarding community water consumption
If you live on a farm
During a drought
Follow municipal water use restrictions (such as avoiding lawn watering or car washing)
If permitted, use water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation
Wash only full loads of laundry or dishes
Be aware of increased wildfire risk
After a drought
Following a drought, the ground can be hard, leading to more runoff. If vegetation has died off, the risk of runoff increases.
If heavy precipitation falls within a short time, there is a risk of flooding
There is a risk of slope instability and landslides
Dried vegetation is also a wildfire risk