Ohioans asked to conserve water amid drought

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[Get the forecast for Thursday, Sept. 19, in the player above.]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WJW) — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is encouraging Ohioans to use water “wisely” as dry conditions persist across the state.

More than three-quarters of Ohio is experiencing some severity of drought, according to the department.

“Water is a shared resource, making the consequences of drought diverse and complex,” reads a Thursday news release. “Potential impacts can include reduced agricultural production, decreased transportation on major rivers, limitations on municipal water supply, challenges in maintaining water quality, stress on wildlife and reduction of recreation.”

Thursday marked the Cleveland area’s 12th straight day without rain, according to FOX 8 meteorologists. The last month has seen only about 2 inches.

But dry conditions are even worse in southeastern Ohio, where several counties are under a natural disaster declaration due to extreme or exceptional drought.

Drought is expected to continue to develop in northern, central and western Ohio. See the latest drought conditions here.

How to conserve water at home

In the bathroom

Take shorter showers.
Fill the bathtub only halfway.
Don’t use the toilet to dispose of trash.
Turn off the water when washing, shaving or brushing teeth.

In the kitchen and laundry room

Use a jug to cool water in the refrigerator instead of waiting for the tap to run cool.
Only wash full loads of clothes, use cold water and use a rack to air-dry.
Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.

When outdoors

Raise the lawnmower deck to help the grass survive without water.
Only water the lawn or landscaping if necessary, spraying no more than an inch of water in the morning or evening — the coolest parts of the day.
Choose native plants that are adapted to local conditions and require less water.
Collect rainwater for irrigation.
Use a broom to clean sidewalks or driveways, rather than water.
Use a self-closing hose nozzle.

Everywhere else

Repair leaks. Sink faucets and bathroom toilets can account for up to a fifth of a household’s water usage.
Turn off lights when leaving a room.
Don’t let the water run if it’s not needed.
Maintain furnaces and air conditioners to keep them efficient.
Turn down the thermostat and turn up the air conditioning.

Homeowners can also replace faucets, washers, dishwashers, aerators and shower heads with water-efficient fixtures, such as from WaterSense, which is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

When can we expect some rain?

There’s a rain could come early Saturday, according to FOX 8 meteorologists. The next best chance of rain, nearly an inch in some areas, comes around Tuesday or Wednesday.

Get the latest weather forecast here.

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Justin Dennis

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