Your readiness zone
← Back to SurvivalZone.EU

Drought: how to prepare your home and garden? Water stock and saving water

⏱ 2 min read

Water stock, saving water, rainwater, fires. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

Droughts are becoming more common across Europe. Water companies then restrict use, and the risk of forest fires rises.

A few simple habits mean the water lasts and your home and garden cope better.

Water stock

  1. 3 litres per person per day, for at least 3 days.
  2. Keep bottles somewhere cool and dark and replace them every few months.

Saving water at home

  1. A short shower instead of a bath.
  2. Run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full.
  3. Fix dripping taps and toilets: that can be thousands of litres a year.

Garden and allotment

  1. Collect rainwater in a water butt.
  2. Mulch beds with bark or grass cuttings to reduce evaporation.
  3. Water in the morning or evening, less often but thoroughly.

Fires

  1. In a drought, no fires or barbecues near dry grass.
  2. Check the wildfire danger level before going to the forest.

Checklist

  1. 3-day water stock
  2. Water butt
  3. No leaking taps or toilets
  4. I know where to check water company notices
  5. Fire extinguisher or fire blanket at home

See also

Frequently asked questions

How can I save water in a drought?

Short showers, full loads, no leaking taps or toilets. Use rainwater for the garden.

When should I water the garden in hot weather?

Morning or evening, less often but thoroughly. Mulch reduces evaporation.

Related topics

📩 Free 72-hour plan by email

A 72-hour shopping and go-bag list, plus a short monthly checklist. Free, no spam.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other guides

All scenarios →

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.