In fact, drought has impacted more people globally over the past 40 years than any other type of natural disaster, and it is the second most costly natural disaster in the United States, resulting in crop losses, wildfires and water shortages. Scientists have opined that the drought impacting parts of the western United States may be the region’s worst in 1,200 years, impacting 70 million people.

Droughts have many long-term impacts that negatively effect public health, many of which involve water quality and water shortages. Drought-related wildfires can send ash, charcoal and debris into water sources, decreasing water quality and killing aquatic life, as well as forcing water systems to add more chemicals to treat the water. Droughts reduce stream and river flows, increasing the concentration of pollutants, viruses and bacteria. Drought can also affect air quality, wildlife and flora and increase the likelihood of surface runoff and the contamination of food crops…