Drought Response and Recovery: A Basic Guide for Water Utilities

The guide—an online, interactive PDF that includes information, worksheets, and short videos—presents real-world examples, best practices, and lessons learned in drought response and recovery. Activities in the guide cover:

• Staffing, Response Plans, and Funding. Establish staffing and drought response teams; develop drought response plans; consider funding and financing options.
• Water Supply and Demand Management. Estimate quantity of current water supplies; develop ways to reduce water use; identify potential supplemental water supplies.
• Communication and Partnerships. Establish and communicate key messages to customers and stakeholders; develop partnerships.

Utilities can use the guide as a preparedness tool if they are not currently experiencing a drought. To increase resilience to future droughts, the guide recommends that utilities should have an effective year-round Water Conservation Program and Drought Response Plan in place prior to a drought. Actions taken before a drought occurs, such as implementing a leak detection and repair program, can increase available supplies and be more cost effective in the long term.