Muncie, IN — As of August 16th, 2022, 41% of the United States is currently experiencing a drought. Droughts don’t provide a direct danger to tanks like flooding does, but there are still additional steps you should take as a responsible member of your community.

For example, try to minimize the use of pesticides and fertilizers around your facility. In a drought, dry fertilizers are more likely to blow away, potentially polluting more sensitive areas in the environment. And when the drought ends, over-applied pesticides and fertilizers that have built up over time are likely to wash away in dangerously concentrated amounts. This could cause further water shortages, even after it begins raining again as this stormwater would be contaminated and unsafe to use.

This is why it is important to be extra protective of sensitive receptors around your facility during a drought. If there is already a shortage of water in your community, the last thing it needs is to have gas poured into a storm drain.

Make sure you always follow the state and local restrictions and guidance during a drought. This will help conserve water for essential and emergency uses. Contact your state or local government for current information and more suggestions. For example, Massachusetts recommends that you leave lawns unwatered in times of extreme drought in favor of preserving trees and shrubs. The EPA also suggests you be aware that extended periods of dry weather can increase dust, which may cause or worsen existing health problems.

Extreme droughts also raise the likelihood of wildfires, so make sure you are prepared with the EPA guidance found here.