Extreme drought conditions in the West Georgia and East Alabama areas urge communities to conserve water. Droughts can have a major impact on agriculture, recreation and tourism, water supply, energy production, and transportation. In fact, the US drought of 1988 resulted in nationwide losses exceeding $40 billion. These major losses remind us that responsible water usage is a good habit to practice at any time of year, and it is especially important during prolonged dry seasons.

The Scoop on H2O

About ¾ of the Earth is water, and 70% of the fresh water supply is used for agriculture. Mother Nature Network provides these interesting facts about water usage:

• It takes about 37 gallons of water to grow the coffee beans and process them to make one cup of coffee.
• It takes 52 gallons of water to produce one glass of pasteurized milk.
• Brushing your teeth requires about 2 gallons of water.
• A 5-minute shower can use as much as 50 gallons of water.
• An automatic dishwasher uses around 9 to 12 gallons of water while hand washing dishes uses approximately 20 gallons of water.

How can you save water during a drought?

Using water responsibly is essential during a drought. The following habits are great ways to conserve water in your community:

1. Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth.
2. Fill the sink with a minimum amount of water while shaving.
3. Use leftover ice cubes to water house plants.
4. Cut your shower time to 4 to 5 minutes.
5. Check your toilets and faucets for leaks.
6. Call your water provider to assist with potential leaks.
7. Avoid outside watering and washing cars.

[Tweet "By following these tips, you can save up to 60% of water used. @Southwire"]

Be sure to keep an eye on your water usage during dry spells.  By reducing your water footprint, you may be able to help lessen the impact of severe droughts.

For Southwire’s sustainability initiatives, visit southwire.com/sustainability.