The South Carolina Drought Response Program
SC Department of Natural Resources
Land, Water, and Conservation Division
State Climatology Office
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
What is a drought management plan?

The South Carolina Drought Response Program
SC Department of Natural Resources
Land, Water, and Conservation Division
State Climatology Office
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
What is a drought management plan?
A drought management plan outlines a comprehensive program of action that enables
communities to recognize and deal with drought. An effective plan should be developed before
drought occurs. Planning should involve the public and appropriate Federal, State, and local
agencies to insure that it is politically, economically and socially workable. An effective plan
provides for monitoring water suppoies and uses; identifying alternative water sources, including
arranging hookups to neighboring water supplies; developing education programs and demand
reduction strategies; defining implementation and enforcement mechanisims; and outlining
review and update procedures.
How can individuals reduce the impacts of drought?
Water conservation is the practice of using water resources efficiently and protecting them from
pollution. Individual efforts to conserve water resources are essential. Good water conservation
habits start at home:
How does drought affect individuals and homeowners?
Individuals are affected by both the rising cost of water and the increasing costs of goods and
services brought on by diminishing water supplies. When a drought occurs, a limited amount of
water enters a reservoir, and only a small amount can be released through the dam to generate
power. This reduces the availability of low-cost hydroelectric power to consumers.
Severe droughts can mean reduced water available for home use. Using less water means people
must change habits and patterns of water use, which sometimes means inconveniences.
Homeowners depending on wells may find their wells going dry.
People are also affected when reduced water quality restricts use of lakes and streams for fishing,
boating, and other water-related activities.
How can the effects of drought be minimized?
We cannot control drought's occurrence, location, or durati