Drought: what to do when water is short? Stock, saving water, fire risk

Drought and water restrictions: what to do, step by step

⏱ 2 min read

Water limits, heat, fire risk. Below: what to do right away, what next, when to call 112 and what to avoid. The same instructions are in the free SurvivalZone.app and work without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

First, right now

Check notices from your council and water company: is there a hosepipe ban or a ban on washing cars or filling pools? Follow them so there is enough tap water for everyone.
Set aside drinking water: 3 litres per person per day, for at least 3 days. Fill clean bottles and pots with lids.
Do not light fires in forests, fields or allotments. In a drought one spark is enough.

Then

Save water: a short shower instead of a bath, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full.
Collect the water you used to wash vegetables for watering plants. Water in the morning or evening, not in full sun.
Keep children, older people and pets well hydrated. In the heat, drink regularly; do not wait until you are thirsty.
Is the tap water cloudy, or has your water company said it is not safe to drink? Drink bottled or boiled water and follow their updates.
Before going into the forest, check the wildfire danger level. At the highest level, it is better to stay out.

When to call 112

You see smoke or fire in a forest, field or meadow. Someone has signs of heatstroke: confusion, hot and dry skin or loss of consciousness.

What not to do

Do not throw cigarette ends or glass in forests, fields or by the road.
Do not drink water from ponds, rivers or wells without treating it.
Do not stockpile water beyond what you need: in a drought others go short.

Frequently asked questions

How much drinking water should I store in a drought?

At least 3 litres per person per day, for 3 days. A little more for children, older people and pets in hot weather.

Can I water my garden during a drought?

Check your water company’s notices. Hosepipe bans are common in droughts. Use rainwater and water left from washing vegetables.

Why are fires banned in a drought?

Dry grass and leaf litter catch fire from a single spark, and in wind a fire spreads very fast.

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 scenarios

Sources

Scientific literature and guidelines

WHO: Guidelines for drinking-water quality, 4th edition with first and second addenda

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.