Drought is complex and it unfolds at an imperceptible pace.  It’s hard to know when one begins and when one ends.   When we are not in one, we are not far removed from one.  In terms of economic losses, drought is the most costly disaster we face in the Concho Valley.  In other regions of the world, droughts, and the famines they cause, are also the deadliest of natural disasters. 

Yes, we can not fight the weather, but there are things that we can all do to lessen the impact of drought conditions and delay or slow the implementation of severe water conservation measures.

Things that we can (and should) do all the time:

 Never waste water.  Find alternative uses for excess water.  (Pour too much to cook with?  Use the unneeded portion to water a plant or your pet.)
 
 When washing dishes, do not leave the water running between rinses.
 
 Observe all water conservation measures imposed or recommended by the local government.
 
 Put your sprinklers on timers so you won’t forget to turn them off.
 
 Limit the time you spend in the shower.  Get a low-flow shower head.
 
 Wash larger loads of clothes at a time, reducing the number of loads you wash each week. (Large loads are more efficient users of water than small loads.) 

Get a low water consumption toilet.  An alternative is to place a brick in your water closet to cut down on the amount of water that you use when you flush.

 As you replace appliances, get clothes washers and dishwashers that conserve water use.
 
Use only native, heat resistant plants in your landscape.  This is called xeriscaping. Local nurseries and the county extension office are great resources for helping you pick drought resistant plant materials. 

Consider adding rock gardens and other alternative landscape features to reduce the amount of watering that you need to do.

Reduce the number car washes that you do.
 
Consider rain harvesting to supplement your outdoor water supply.
 
If you are a rancher or farmer, practice erosion control measures, drip irrigation, and soil moisture monitoring techniques.  Make sure you have the appropriate amount of crop insurance to meet your needs.

We must guard our water all the time.  It is precious and it is too late if we wait for a drought to start our conservation measures.