DROUGHT

• Do not waste water. A hose ban means exactly that, and could signal the start of severe water shortages.
• Do not drink tap water if local authorities issue warnings to that effect. Shrinking water levels can result in contamination and, in extreme drought, dead animal may pollute water sources. Boil, purify, or buy bottled water.
• If your water supply is cut off and mobile water tanks or standpipes are installed in streets, this is designed for drinking water only. The situation is too severe to waste water on other uses.
• Do not use the toilet, but leave enough water in the bowl to act as a barrier to prevent smells and possible disease spreading from sewers up the pipes.
• Buy a camping chemical toilet. Alternately, you may have to face making an outdoor latrine.
• Re-use water as much as possible.
• Ensure food is always covered. Flies could prove a problem.
• Try to practice good hygiene, despite lack of water, especially when preparing food. Hot unsanitary conditions are a breeding ground for germs.
• If driving any distance, carry your own water in case the engine overheats.
• Watch out for structural damage to house, particularly those built on clay. You may have to fell trees located too close to the house to prevent the roots from causing damage to foundations.
• Watch out for bug infested or diseased trees which could cause potential bug and fire problems.
• Plant drought resistant vegetation.