Drought adaptation and management is complex. Unlike other extreme events, like floods, the onset of drought can be quite slow, and can last for years. The impacts can be far-reaching, affecting ecological systems, agriculture and other economic systems, as well as contributing to community, health, and societal impacts.

As the climate changes, drought may become more common and severe. The most important part of drought management is planning ahead, understanding the risk drought poses. While in a drought, it is time to act and put the plan into action. In the drought work undertaken by the BRWA, both the adaptation and management parts are addressed.

Drought adaptation is defined as actions society takes to reduce the social, economic, and ecological vulnerability to potentially negative impacts of climate variability, including drought. Drought adaptation strategies are employed when impacts of drought are not observed. Drought management refers to the responses and actions that are employed when the impacts of drought are experienced

Resources

Drought Management Background Research Report, PDF

Drought Management Policy Advice, PDF

Drought Management Implementation Guidelines, PDF

Surface Water Quantity Ground Water Quantity Stewardship