Take action before a drought occurs to make sure your system is prepared to beat the heat.

Monitor local and regional drought conditions through state drought status information.
Update emergency response plan (ERP) and keep emergency contact information current.
Conduct table-top training exercises to brief staff on all response and recovery procedures.
Develop action plan to restore service to priority customers (e.g. hospitals) first in case of service disruptions.
Review drought contingency plan and update source trigger levels.
Identify largest water users and document usage patterns to determine the most effective conservation practices.
Review historical drought records to assess past frequency and intensity of drought events.
Seek technical assistance programs such as source water protection program.
Develop predictive water use models to assist in locating new sources of supply.
Establish or participate in existing groundwater and watershed monitoring networks.
Join Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (WARN).
Coordinate with neighboring water systems to develop a regional water use plan.
Connect with community leaders and high water-use organizations to establish drought and conservation implementation measures.
Establish connections with local emergency management agency (EMA) and sign up for alerts.
Develop public outreach materials to provide to customers during an emergency.
Create programs to encourage customers to conserve water throughout the year, such as rebate programs, home retrofit kits, and water conservation classes.
Conduct a water audit to detect and repair leaks throughout the distribution system.
Document pumping requirements and storage capabilities and critical treatment components and parameters.

Perspectives

Checklist: Preparing Water Utilities for a Drought