dry cracked soil between rows of stunted corn plants

  • Soybeans show the affect of the Texas drought near Navasota, TX on Aug. 21, 2013. USDA photo by Bob Nichols.

    • Hazard

    Drought

    A drought is a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time resulting in a water shortage. Drought conditions range from dry weather patterns and low water supply to impacts on crops, ecosystems, and disruptions in supply and demand for various commodities.
    This website provides National Risk Index data based on agricultural losses for areas impacted by drought between 2000-2025. Some options for addressing drought are listed below. Click each one to learn more.

    Relevant Options

    Leak detection sensors alert utilities to faults and failures along distribution pipelines or in water storage facilities, enabling rapid action to reduce loss of vital drinking water supplies. Revise land use plans to accommodate changes in types of agricultural activities and to allow for shifts in agriculturally viable areas. Upgrade water and wastewater systems to accommodate projected changes in water quality, quantity and availability. For stream restoration projects, select a mix of water-loving and drought-resistant native plants. Increase the number of peak flow diversions into offline storage in water supply systems. Integrate drought preparedness and management efforts into community plans (e.g., comprehensive plan, strategic plan, water resource plan) Educate the public about natural and native drought tolerant species. Maintain hydroelectric generating capacity, if possible. If not possible, switch to pumped storage hydropower or deconstruction to allow for river restoration efforts. Develop or update the community's approved street tree guide and landscape design standards for new development to require tree species appropriate for the area's future climate. Require the use of tree Evaluate the budget implications of additional watering/establishment care, storm/drought maintenance, and tree removal and replacement. Encourage farmers to update farm technologies to account for seasonal changes and reduce fertilizer and water use. For example, farmers can increase the efficiency of irrigation; make use of weather and Explore potential uses of rainwater runoff in urban areas to address low water supply and drought. For example, rainwater may be a used to water areas downstream. Identify, incorporate and prioritize preferred climate adaptation improvement projects. Focus on projects that pertain to water supply, wastewater systems, stormwater management and flood protection as Create and invest in strategic pre-disaster plans for post-disaster recovery. Incentivize, expand and fund tree planting and replacement programs. Such efforts can promote more drought and wildfire-resistant native species and prioritize Promote the city’s water service line insurance program. Integrate projected increases in wildfire frequency and intensity into watershed management and planning, dam and raw water reservoir operations and dam emergency planning. Use reclaimed water (highly treated wastewater effluent) for appropriate uses such as irrigation, cooling towers and toilet flushing. Promote resilient land management practices, including range management practices that increase water retention. Increased water retention can enhance soil moisture, ground water and healthy ecosystems. Encourage and incentivize the use of pervious landscaped surfaces in new and existing development. Pervious, or permeable, surfaces help manage stormwater on-site and absorb less heat than impervious

    Related Case Studies & Action Plans

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  • Photo attributed to Lazy Lightning. Incorporated here under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license. No endorsement by licensor implied.

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    Relevant Tools

    Current Drought - U.S. Drought Monitor
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    Relevant Trainings

    Understanding Drought
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