How To Stop Leaking Money During A Drought

Across parts of the United States, prolonged stretches of hot temperatures, below-average rainfall and stubborn weather patterns like La Niña have helped intensify drought conditions in recent years.

Drought doesn’t just dry out lawns and shrink reservoirs, it strains water supplies, stresses crops and raises the risk of wildfire.

The good news? Small changes at home can dramatically reduce water use during dry periods and even lower your water bill year-round.

Here's What To Do

Start by hunting for leaks. “We lose 1 trillion gallons of water from leaks each year” explains meteorologist Rob Shackelford.

Leaky faucets, running toilets, dripping outdoor spigots and damaged sprinkler systems can quietly waste enormous amounts of water over time. A sudden spike in your water bill is often a warning sign that something is leaking somewhere.

Bathrooms also account for a huge portion of household water consumption. Shackelford recommends taking shorter showers and turning the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving. 

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Another easy trick: "Leave a bucket at the base of your faucet, when you turn the water on to warm it up, you can use that water again in any sort of way you need," says Shackelford.

He also adds that “there are a few misconceptions about water usage. On average, a dishwasher does actually use less water than washing dishes on hand, especially if that dishwasher is full.”

The same applies to washing machines. Waiting until the dishwasher or washing machine is completely full can significantly cut household water use over time.

If appliances are especially old, upgrading to newer water-efficient models may also help. 

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Smarter Outdoor Water Use

Your yard can become one of the biggest water drains during drought.

Shackelford recommends using native plants that naturally thrive in your local climate. Plants that aren’t adapted to the region often require constant watering to survive.

“I know people who have palm trees in their yard in North Georgia,” he said. “They have to water them constantly.”

Timing matters too. Watering plants during the hottest part of the afternoon often wastes water because much of it evaporates before the soil can absorb it.

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And when it comes to outdoor chores? Shackelford urges using a bucket to wash your car instead of a hose that wastes more water. 

“You can save so much water and money doing this,” he said.

Know When You’re In A Drought

One of the clearest signs of drought is mandatory water restrictions in your area, but there are other indicators too.

The weekly United States Drought Monitor maps show drought conditions across the country and track how severe conditions have become over time.

But as Shackelford notes, even outside of drought, incorporating water-limiting habits can still help you “save a quick buck.”