JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The new Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan is now complete after more than two years of study and development. The update from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Water Resources Center replaces the previous 2002 drought plan and uses modern tools for enhanced monitoring and assessment of all types of droughts. It also gives everyone from government officials, to water users, water suppliers and leaders of industry guidance for adopting water conservation best practices to grow their drought resiliency.
“This new drought mitigation and response plan allows us to be much more proactive in how we prepare for and respond to droughts as opposed to just reacting to their negative impacts,” said Michael Weller of the department’s Water Resources Center. “We can never prevent droughts. However, by planning for different scenarios, outlining responsibilities and making the best use of information available, we can make sure Missourians are prepared and empowered when drought does come.”
The primary goals of the Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan are serving as an information source for reducing drought impacts, increasing public awareness, enhancing resiliency, promoting water conservation, improving monitoring, facilitating response planning, as well as clarifying roles and responsibilities. Its completion comes following a multiyear, interagency planning effort made possible by a 50/50 cost-share grant through the Planning Assistance to States Program of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Among the metrics the updated drought plan uses that were unavailable 20 years ago are data from remote sensing of rainfall amounts and satellite measurements of soil moisture. The plan’s new matrix of drought actions is designed to rapidly assess what areas of the state are most affected by drought as well as what industries are either most susceptible or at risk under different conditions. A comprehensive list of actions and initiatives further outlines what measures can be taken at all levels before and during drought.
“Our hope is the updated Missouri Drought Mitigation and Response Plan helps facilitate adoption of more innovative water-use practices and resilient infrastructure,” Weller said. “This effort is a wonderful example of how quality of life for all Missourians can be preserved and improved through interagency collaboration with community stakeholders and stewardship of our shared natural resources.”
Visit dnr.mo.gov/water/hows-water/state-water/drought to learn more about drought in Missouri. The current drought conditions for Missouri and other states are available to view at www.drought.gov.