How the drought may affect your health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the drought could be affecting your health.

We asked people around the valley if they were aware of this.

“No, I wasn’t aware of it,” said Alexander Hall.

“Yes, because we’re concerned about the amount of water, our own intake and making sure we don’t abuse our portion of our water in our own residential area,” added Al Rezendes.

Everything — from the food you eat to the air you breathe — can be affected by the drought.

Dry soil increases the amount of airborne particles, like pollen and smoke, which can irritate your airways and worsen respiratory illnesses.

Drought can also hurt crops and kill livestock, resulting in increased food prices.

It is important to conserve water, but when doing so, it should not have an affect on your hygiene and proper sanitation, like washing your hands.

Here are some tips to make sure you stay healthy and save water:

1. Install low flow faucets in homes and businesses.

2. If you get water from a well, monitor the quality of your drinking water.

3. Avoid stagnant water — where you are more likely to attract a mosquito born illness.

4. Use care with fires and barbecues.