In the last few decades, water in underground aquifers throughout the United States has been stressed for several reasons. We now use more water than ever, with worldwide consumption doubling every twenty years. In many instances, the water in these aquifers is pumped more quickly than can be recharged. Unless efforts are begun to reuse water, greywater, acquirers could eventually go dry, leading to more problems in communities where additional water demands are not being met.

There are also waste issues; it is estimated that water use in the agricultural industry could be cut in half if new technologies were used. Finally, in urban areas, buildings, parking lots, and asphalt roads divert rainwater, which normally would have replenished aquifers, further leading to the depletion of local aquifers.

Drought Conditions Exist

Over the past several years, ongoing drought issues in the United States have further exacerbated the dwindling underground water supply. As shown below, US Drought Monitor Map, much of the western United States, especially California, is experiencing unprecedented drought conditions. Fortunately, residents willing to do their part have many opportunities to conserve water.

Use of Greywater

Perhaps the easiest and most accessible strategy for conserving water is to recycle greywater. Greywater is simply water from bathing or washing clothing normally emptied through the drain. The good news is that this type of water can be reused for numerous agricultural and horticultural uses, helping to alleviate the strain on local aquifers and municipal water supplies.

By capturing rainfall from buildings and structures and diverting pre-used water (greywater), such as water from showers, and clothes washing machines, greywater can be reused to:

  • Irrigate landscaping during dry times, helping to maintain grasses and plants, which in turn helps prevent erosion during high precipitation. It also helps to reduce the likelihood of dry grass and resulting brush fires.
  • Keeping the soil hydrated helps prevent building foundations from shifting/cracking because the soil has become compacted from a lack of water.
  • Irrigate the soil so that plants and flowers can flourish.

Also, by re-using water from the laundry, kitchen, and bath, we can further contribute to water conservation by not using prime potable water for uses that don’t require potable water, which in turn, will use less municipal water and helps to reduce the energy needed to pump and deliver water from the municipal supply. These effects can greatly contribute to conserving our most precious natural resource – water.

The Business of Water Conservation

Utilizing greywater may sound overwhelming or impossible, but the businesses in this directory offer solutions for using greywater and are at your service to provide all the information and supplies you need. At GreyWaterDirectory.com, you can find a list of companies that provide settling tanks, filters, and other supplies that automatically capture greywater from the laundry, kitchen, and bath. Once these tanks are filled, the greywater can easily be used in the manner most appropriate for the business owner or homeowner.

Current Areas in the United States Where Drought Conditions Exist


US Drought Monitor from unl.edu

To view regional drought conditions, click on any part of the map above or a region name in the chart below. Individual state maps can be accessed from the links to the regional maps presented below.

Detail Information About Regional Areas of U.S. Where Drought Conditions Exist:

West –  Detail of Drought Areas Northeast – Detail of Drought Areas
Midwest –  Detail of Drought Areas Southeast – Detail of Drought Areas
High Plains – Detail of Drought Areas South – Detail of Drought Areas

For additional information about this map and U.S. Drought Monitor Map Archive, U.S. Drought Monitor Map Archive

The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Map courtesy of NDMC.

Thank you to the dedicated individuals who performed the ongoing research, analyzed the data, and created the maps that show where drought conditions exist in the United States.

National Drought Mitigation Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln

3310 Holdrege Street
P.O. Box 830988
Lincoln, NE 68583–0988

(402) 472–6707