Tips for Dealing with Drought and Conserving Water

Use water sparingly

• Do not use more water than necessary
• Limit the use of water from ditches for the garden, such as for watering plants and the lawn
• Use rainwater from a rain barrel for the garden. 
• It's best to water plants early in the morning or in the evening, when less water evaporates. 
• It's better to water plants less frequently but for longer periods of time, so that the water can penetrate deeper into the soil.
• Many plants can withstand drought well. Be sure to give the right plants extra attention this summer to save water.
• Limit the filling and refilling of swimming pools and ponds during dry periods.

Be careful around locks, ponds, and other bodies of surface water

During dry periods, waterways come under strain. Water quality may deteriorate, and plants and animals may be more vulnerable.

• Do not draw water from ditches, ponds, or other surface water bodies if a ban on water withdrawal is in effect. 
• Be mindful of sensitive natural areas and water quality. 
• Prevent fertilizers, pesticides, and waste from entering surface water. 
• Do not feed bread to ducks, and do not use fish bait in or along waterways. This can degrade water quality. 
• Have you noticed fish deaths, blue-green algae, or any other unusual situation? Please report it to the water district at .

Retain more water in the garden

Retaining rainwater in the garden helps during dry spells. Here are some practical tips:

• Collect rainwater in a rain barrel or other container. 
• Let rainwater seep into the soil in your garden as much as possible. 
• Replace tiles with greenery. 
• Choose permeable paving where paving is needed. 
• Use groundcover or a layer of mulch to help the soil retain moisture longer. 
• Prevent rainwater from being unnecessarily drained through the sewer system.

Water Levels

Water levels in some areas may be higher than normal. The water board is doing this to create a buffer against drought.

Surface water (ditches, ponds, and streams)

Be careful with surface water

• Do not use water from ditches or ponds if there is a ban on water withdrawal.
• Be mindful of sensitive natural habitats and water quality during dry periods. 

Help Protect Water Quality

• Prevent fertilizers, pesticides, or waste from ending up in ditches.
• Do not use fish bait or feed bread to ducks near ditches and canals
• Report fish deaths, blue-green algae, or other unusual occurrences to the water authority. 

Help store water (for later)

• Collect rainwater in a rain barrel and use it for the garden.
• Whenever possible, allow rainwater to infiltrate the garden instead of draining it away immediately.
• Plant more greenery in the garden so that water is retained longer.

Groundwater

Help Prevent Soil Desiccation

•  It's better to water plants less often but give them more water each time, so that the water penetrates deeper into the soil.
• Water the plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
• Use mulch or groundcover plants to help retain moisture in the soil. 

Collect rainwater on your own property (for later use)

• Choose less paving and more greenery.
• Use permeable paving whenever possible.
• Allow rainwater to seep into the ground so that the groundwater is replenished.