Drought-Resistant Communities: Water-Smart Solutions for Sustainable Living

While Earth is mostly a watery planet, water remains a finite resource. Homes and businesses have limited access to freshwater, and factors like population growth, climate change and pollution make this precious resource more challenging to obtain, maintain and provide. Communities must become drought-resistant to thrive amid these challenges.

Drought-resistant communities focus on sustainability, conservation and eco-friendly practices to ensure water is protected and remains available for all to use. It takes some thought and planning, but solutions are available.

Water Challenges for Modern Communities

During the week of November 12, 2025, 38.65% of the United States and 46.12% of the contiguous 48 states were experiencing drought. Approximately 202.2 million acres of major crops and 123.3 million Americans were affected, with 45 states experiencing moderate drought conditions. This winter, further drought is predicted for several regions, including the Plains. The forecast extends eastward across the southern tier and northward across the Southern and Middle Atlantic regions.

Although other areas are expected to improve, the key takeaway is that drought resistance is vital in preparing communities for any contingency. Not taking action has environmental, social and economic consequences that are serious but can be prevented.

Many people think that winter snowpack improves conditions. Although it does help fill reservoirs, it can be a double-edged sword. Rapid springtime melting can lead to flooding, which is challenging to capture and manage due to the sudden runoff. In addition, the unpredictability of snowfall makes it hard for communities to plan around.

Because of the warming climate, some scientists predict that snow drought could triple or quadruple by 2100 and that some mountainous regions in the western U.S. might see their snow drought frequency increase from 6.6% to 42%. Therefore, focusing on conservation year-round is necessary to combat potential crises.

How to Build Drought-Resistant Communities

The best way to combat these issues is to focus on efficiently using and conserving water and employing eco-friendly strategies at home. Homeowners and businesses can use native plants and drought-tolerant landscaping to remain strong in the face of challenging conditions. Here are some ways people can ensure their homes and communities stand up to drought.

1.   Xeriscaping and Native Landscaping

Xeriscaping is the practice of landscaping in a way that minimizes water use by using vegetation native to the climate or incorporating hardscaping elements. Things like rocks, mulch and drought-tolerant trees reduce the need for irrigation, especially in dry climates like desert regions. Xeriscaping can lessen the need for watering by 50%-75%, conserving water and lowering bills. 

Popular plants include cactus, lavender and sage. Crushed gravel or stones for paths, wooden decks, and stone retaining walls are good accents to make the area inviting.

2.   Rain Gardens and Biodiversity

A rain garden is a shallow area featuring native vegetation to capture and soak up runoff from driveways, roofs and patios. It filters pollutants from the water, reduces flooding and conserves water. Rain gardens are typically about 6-12 inches deep, with mulch and deep-rooted plants and grasses that help collect and absorb rainwater. That water is then slowly absorbed into the soil, reducing the need for additional watering.

Rain gardens are low-maintenance and increase biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife. They also attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, especially if wild bergamot and milkweed grow there.

3.   Smart Irrigation and Rainwater Harvesting

Smart technology has entered nearly every aspect of life, including irrigation. Smart systems automatically adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather and soil conditions, rather than relying on fixed timers. They monitor rainfall, temperature and soil moisture to deliver the right amount of water when needed. This prevents overwatering, leading to resource and cost savings.

Rainwater can be captured, stored and used for irrigation, washing cars or flushing toilets. It is ideal for watering since it contains fewer minerals than standard tap water and is easier on plants. Homeowners can set up a rain barrel near a downspout, connecting the two so water runs directly inside. A spigot at the bottom provides easy access to the supply when needed. Initiating smart irrigation and rainwater harvesting may take some landscaping interventions and structural planning to support soil, plants and water runoff. But once established is very low maintenance.

4.   Greywater Reuse and Permeable Surfaces

Greywater is water that has been used for laundry or showering. It can be reused for nonpotable purposes, such as irrigation, flushing toilets or washing clothes. It can also be piped outdoors for use on lawns and in gardens, provided it does not touch edible parts of plants. It should not be stored for more than 24 hours, as the nutrients in it will break down and cause odors.

Permeable paved surfaces reduce runoff and build resilience by allowing rainwater to soak through to the ground instead of directing it away. This approach helps mitigate flooding and erosion, recharges groundwater, and improves water quality by filtering pollutants. It can also reduce strain on municipal drainage systems, leading to lower infrastructure costs. Permeable surfaces minimize urban heat island effects by supporting vegetation and typically being lighter in color.

What Governments Can Do

Significant efforts can be made at the government level to support resilience in the face of drought. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is exploring several initiatives that can help communities effectively manage dry conditions.

• Efficiency and infrastructure: Products with a WaterSense label aim to help consumers save money, water and energy. On a broader level, aging water infrastructure is leading to water waste. The expected cost of infrastructure replacement is $500 billion, but it will combat the loss of 2.1 trillion gallons of treated drinking water each year.

• Desalination: Scientists are exploring the potential of cultivating algae that can remove salts from water. This could help supplement supplies in areas affected by drought. Efforts are also underway to develop a system that enables small water utilities to include lower-quality source water at their intakes, thereby reducing demands on both ground and surface water.

• Watershed sustainability: The EPA’s Centers of Excellence for Watershed Management program is collaborating with universities to develop solutions for addressing water scarcity and drought-related issues. The focus is on climate resilience and the sustainability of water utility infrastructure.

Building a Water-Smart Future

Government and community members can work together to build drought-resilient communities in the face of climate change and water scarcity. It will take thought, planning and follow-through, but the results will be well worth the effort.