Providing a reliable supply of water requires being prepared for water shortages of varying degree and duration. What can a municipal water supplier do to mitigate water shortages caused by drought? Preparing for drought and water shortages before they occur is the best defense. This manual will help water managers facing water shortages by illustrating how to employ tried-and-true strategies and tactics of drought mitigation, as well as new tools and methods. Managing water shortages involves temporarily reducing demand and finding alternate water to temporarily increase supply. There are options available to water managers to accomplish this. The manual provides a proven, seven-step process to anticipate and respond to water shortages through a structured planning process.

Describes those unique characteristics of drought that set it apart from other natural hazards. Also describes the nature of impacts associated with drought. Illustrates with several case studies how some nations have coped with drought in the past and describes recent attempts to adopt a more proactive risk management approach. Also proposes a methodology to assist developing countries in the preparation of drought plans.