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Manufacturing

Water is used in many manufacturing processes. During drought conditions, reductions in or interruption of the water supply can result in a reduction of plant productivity or even closure of manufacturing facilities. Integrating drought and extreme weather events into routine business planning can allow manufacturers and communities to proactively prepare system responses before the onset of a drought disaster.

Manufacturing and Drought Conditions

Cotton Produced by County
Value Map Hex Color
Scales by Acreage #11a8a3
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000
Soybeans Produced by County
Value Map Hex Color
Scales by Acreage #623587
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000
Flax Produced by County
Value Map Hex Color
Scales by Acreage #006600
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000

216,387
acres of flax currently experiencing drought (D1–D4)
3.4 Million
acres of cotton currently experiencing drought (D1–D4)
149
hydroelectric plants currently experiencing drought (D1–D4)
0
current heat warnings from the NOAA National Weather Service
Key Issues

Water Supply

Reduction in or interruption of the water supply could lead to lower productivity or closure of manufacturing facilities. Preventative measures such as water audits can help stakeholders understand facility water use and identify best management practices to use water most efficiently.

Planning

Including drought mitigation and prevention measures into planning processes allows manufacturers and communities to develop system responses before the onset of a water shortage.

Related Content

Data & Maps | Water Supply

Identify and access datasets and maps for monitoring water supply.

By Sector | Hazard Planning & Preparedness

Drought plans should be customized at the local level to accommodate local climate, water supply, and water demand.

By Sector | Navigation & Transportation

Drought impacts port and waterway transportation and supply chains, resulting in increased transportation costs.

By Sector | Agriculture

Drought has substantial negative impacts on agricultural production, ranging from reduced crop yields to total crop failure and livestock sell-offs.