Over time, reduced precipitation and increased evaporation of surface water mean that groundwater supplies are not replenished at a typical rate. Many parts of the United States depend on groundwater as a primary source of water. Runoff from drought-related wildfires can carry extra sediment, ash, charcoal, and woody debris to surface waters, killing fish and other aquatic life by decreasing oxygen levels in the water. These levels can affect fish and other aquatic life and water quality. Higher water temperatures in lakes and reservoirs lead to reduced oxygen levels. Reduced stream and river flows can increase the concentration of pollutants in water and cause stagnation. More health implications related to drought. More disease, such as West Nile Virus carried by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water.Impacts on air quality, sanitation and hygiene, and food and nutrition.Shortages of drinking water and poor quality drinking water.But the slow rise or chronic nature of drought also can result in longer term, indirect health implications that are not always easy to anticipate or monitor.ĭrought can also cause long-term public health problems, including: Some drought-related health effects occur in the short-term and can be directly observed and measured.
Drought poses many and far reaching health implications.
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