Drought Management

New England

Climate change and cyclical changes in weather patterns pose challenges to water suppliers.  In New England statistically, droughts tend to occur over periods of several years, as occurred in the mid-1960s and more recently in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  Droughts are unpredictable, one could start at any time, so it is important to have a plan in place to help you be prepared.  Drought management planning can help provide a guide for use when droughts occur to protect resources and inform the public. Having the plan already in place will allow you to respond more quickly when a drought occurs.

Click here for CEI`s 10 Steps to Better Drought Planning

 

CEI Drought Management Plans

Drought management plans provide water suppliers with a tool for monitoring and responding to potential drought conditions through the following:

  • Providing guidelines for monitoring of system specific drought related conditions;

  • Establishing benchmarks for normal and dry conditions;

  • Providing guidelines for assessment of various system specific drought conditions; and

  • Developing standard operating procedures to respond to drought conditions.

Click here for an outline of a typical CEI drought management plan

Drought management plans are valuable tools for water suppliers in their efforts to be good stewards of the environment and continue to provide an adequate supply of high quality water to customers. They are a great tool to show customers that you have a formal plan to deal with the issue. The plan can also be a tool to communicate with Water Commissioners or Selectmen.

If you would like assistance in developing a drought management plan or have questions, please contact Kristen Berger, P.E. at  508-281-5160 X399 or [email protected].