Drought

Nearly every part of the United State's can be affected by a drought. A drought is a longer-than-normal period with drier than normal conditions. While Maine is normally considered a typically "wet" state droughts happen every decade with varying degree's of severity. One of the worst drought periods in Maine in recent history was from 2000-2003 which is estimated to have cost Maine farmers approximately $32 million dollars. When conditions begin to look to be favoring a drought be sure to look at the National Integrated Drought Information System and the United States Drought Monitor for current conditions and outlooks.

Prepare now:

Consider installing high-efficiency and low-flow appliances.
Check faucets and pipes for leaks, a drop of water every second waste about 2,700 gallons of water per year.
Plant native and drought tolerant plants and grass seed to limit the need to irrigate.
Install pool, spa and hot-tub covers to reduce evaporation.
Consider rainwater collection practices where legal.

During a Drought:

Avoid letting water run unnecessarily such as when brushing teeth, washing dishes and thawing frozen foods.
Run dishwashers and washing machines at full capacity.
When waiting for water to warm up use buckets to catch it to water plants.
When in extreme drought choose to irrigate tree's and shrub's over lawns.