Preparing for Water Restrictions and Drought: Practical Ways to Protect Your Home and Family
Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in many parts of the world. Longer periods of hot, dry weather can reduce reservoir levels, strain public water supplies, damage crops, and lead to mandatory water restrictions and hose pipe bans. Back in the summer of 1976, a crippling drought in the UK led to home water supplies being shut off; water had to be collected from standpipes in the streets. Hopefully that won't happen again...
While no one can control the weather, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce your water use, prepare for restrictions, and ensure your household is ready if supplies become limited.
Whether you're facing a temporary hosepipe ban or planning for long-term water shortages, preparing in advance can save water, money, and stress.
Why Water Restrictions Happen
Water restrictions are introduced when demand begins to exceed available supply. This can happen due to:
- Heatwaves that increase water consumption
- Reduced river, reservoir, or groundwater levels caused by low rainfall
- Infrastructure issues or repairs
- Population growth placing additional pressure on water resources
Restrictions often begin with limits on non-essential water use before progressing to stricter conservation measures if conditions worsen.
Understand Your Local Water Restrictions
Every region has its own rules during periods of water scarcity.
Restrictions may include:
- Bans on watering gardens or lawns
- Limits on washing cars
- Restrictions on filling paddling pools or swimming pools
- Prohibitions on pressure washing patios or driveways
- Limits on agricultural or commercial water use
Knowing what is and isn't allowed helps you avoid fines while making the most of the water you have available.
Store Emergency Water Before Restrictions Begin
If drought conditions are developing, don't wait until supplies become scarce.
Consider storing:
- Bottled drinking water
- Food-grade water containers
- Water for pets
- Water for cooking and basic hygiene
Aim to keep at least three days' worth of drinking water per person, with a larger reserve if storage space allows. Your 72-hour emergency kit should already have a water solution of some kind.
Store water in clean, food-safe containers and rotate it periodically to keep it fresh. If you're storing water in your own containers, consider getting a LifeSaver water purifier to get rid of any bacteria that may grow before you use it. The Wayfarer has a scavenger hose you can drop into the container; pump the handle to get safe drinking water. A perfect solution if you can't be sure the containers you use are sterile. A purifier will also give you the option of using water from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds or the water butt.
Reduce Household Water Use
Small changes throughout the home can significantly reduce water consumption and, if everyone does their bit, it will help with the available supplies.
In the Bathroom
- Take short showers - not baths.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
- Fix dripping taps promptly.
- Install low-flow showerheads and tap aerators.
In the Kitchen
- Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl rather than under running water.
- Run the dishwasher only when full.
- Only run full loads in the washing machine.
- Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge instead of letting the tap run cold.
- Reuse cooking water (once cooled) for plants where appropriate.
Outdoors
- Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
- Use watering cans instead of hoses and sprinklers.
- Apply mulch around plants to help retain moisture.
- Choose drought-tolerant plants for your garden.
- Sweep patios and driveways instead of using a hose.
Collect Rainwater Whenever Possible
Even during dry periods, occasional rainfall can provide a valuable source of water for outdoor use.
Installing a rain barrel or water butt allows you to collect water from your roof that can be used for:
- Watering plants
- Cleaning outdoor equipment
- Washing garden tools
- Filling watering cans
Rainwater should not be used for drinking unless it has been properly treated, but can be used for watering the garden, topping up ponds or even flushing toilets.
Prepare Your Garden for Dry Conditions
Lawns often recover once rain returns, but some plants are more vulnerable. Unfortunately, when drought hits, decorative garden plants will have to suffer. If you have a vegetable garden, it should be kept watered.
To improve your garden's resilience:
- Water deeply but less frequently. Use root watering spikes to get water down to where it's most needed
- Add compost to improve soil moisture retention.
- Group plants with similar watering needs.
- Prioritise newly planted trees and shrubs, fruit and vegetable plants
- Remove weeds that compete for water.
Check for Hidden Leaks
A small leak can waste hundreds or even thousands of litres over time. Inspect:
- Outdoor taps
- Toilet cisterns
- Pipework
- Irrigation systems
- Garden hoses
If your water meter continues to move when no water is being used, you may have a hidden leak.
Prepare for Temporary Supply Interruptions
Although uncommon, severe drought or infrastructure problems can occasionally lead to interruptions in water supply.
Keep supplies that help you manage without running water, including:
- Drinking water
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitiser
- Disposable plates and cutlery (if appropriate)
- A water purifier or steriliser tablets for treating non-potable water
- Buckets for collecting rain, river or lake water
Having these items ready can make short-term disruptions much easier to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I store for a drought?
A minimum of one gallon (3.8 litres) per person per day is widely recommended for drinking and basic food preparation during emergencies. If space allows, storing a two-week supply provides greater resilience.
Can I drink rainwater?
Not without using a water purifier. Rainwater can contain bacteria, parasites, bird droppings, chemicals, and other contaminants collected from roofs and gutters.
Should I water my lawn during a drought?
In most cases, established lawns will recover after rainfall returns. Prioritise trees, vegetables, and young plants instead.
Are water restrictions becoming more common?
Many regions are experiencing longer dry periods and greater pressure on water supplies due to changing weather patterns, population growth, and increased demand. As a result, seasonal water restrictions have become more common in some areas.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for drought isn't about expecting the worst—it's about making sensible changes that help your household use water more efficiently and cope with temporary restrictions.
By storing a modest emergency water supply, fixing leaks, reducing unnecessary water use, and planning ahead, you'll be better prepared for dry conditions while helping protect an increasingly valuable resource for everyone.
