A Survey and Assessment of Drought Contingency Plans in the Southeastern United States

Water utilities in the southeastern United States were surveyed to identify those utilities that were affected by the drought of 1986 to such an extent that their normal operations were modified and to identify utilities that have drought contingency plans. Case studies of four of these utilities were performed to examine the criteria local governments use for invoking demand and supply management techniques during droughts. Literature was reviewed to determine the available criteria and techniques used in drought management. Several utilities had to modify normal operations without the aid of drought contingency plans. Utilities often use generic ordinances with little or no technical bases to implement demand and supply management techniques. Criteria used for decision making include: engineering judgment, risk analysis, reservoir drawdown and the Palmer Drought Severity Index.Master of Science in Environmental Engineerin