Water supports every aspect of our daily lives and when it dries up, we feel it one way or another. Droughts are a natural and common occurrence but with climate change becoming less and less avoidable, they are becoming more frequent and more severe. Thankfully, our region is projected to have wetter conditions on average, however we will still have to contend with drought and its adverse effects. It can affect agriculture and manufacturing productions, for example it takes about 1800 gallons of water to grow enough cotton for one pair of jeans. Less rain means a lower river which creates challenges for river transportation and recreation. Public health is at risk during severe drought as air quality can diminish due to wildfires and dust storms. Additionally, reduced water flow can increase pollutant concentrations and put greater strain on local municipalities to filter out.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recently created a new early warning system that consolidates drought information and forecasts based on region, state, and county. The National Integrated Drought Information System provides crucial information to farmers, city officials, and urban residents on when to expect a drought, how intense it may be, and when (in the foreseeable future) it may end.
This online platform, hosted on drought.gov, will include a suite of curated and customized information and tools to provide drought information and support decision-making across the Mississippi River Basin. The purpose is to improve drought early warning and preparedness for the region. The platform features interactive charts that cover current and future precipitation, temperature, and drought outlooks across states and counties. and a historical drought conditions graph.
If you want to find yourself in less of a panic during severe droughts, occasionally check drought.gov for updates and follow these tips to help you prepare. Keep a fresh stock of potable water stored in a cool dark place and be sure to check expiration dates periodically. You should also consider planting native or drought resistant grasses and other plant species in your garden, cover vegetable gardens with mulch or grass clippings to prevent premature evaporation, and invest in rain barrels to provide you with water for non-potable uses. During a drought, you should check well pumps often if you have one, eradicate any leaky faucets or pipes, and be mindful of any water usage. Many of these tips will help to conserve your spending as well since the Iowa Utilities Commission has recently approved a rate increase that Iowa American Water requested in May 2024.
To inquire about purchasing a rain barrel, please visit riveraction.org/sustainability