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<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 49 <br />supply. Drought can impact operations that requires water to function; a key example is the fire service. <br />Drought can also reduce the availability of potable water, leading to water rationing and restrictions, for <br />residential areas and agriculture. <br />3.7.8 CONSEQUENCE ASSESSMENT <br />Impact on the Public <br />• Water scarcity, leading to restricted access to potable water for drinking, hygiene, and <br />sanitation. <br />• Increased health risks, including dehydration, malnutrition, and respiratory issues from poor air <br />quality due to dust. <br />• Rising food prices and potential food shortages due to reduced agricultural output. <br />• Mental health impacts from prolonged stress, uncertainty, and potential displacement. <br />Impact on Responders <br />• Strain on emergency services to manage water distribution, firefighting, and health services. <br />Increased demand for medical services due to heat-related illnesses and poor air quality. <br />• Challenges in managing public order, particularly if water shortages lead to unrest or conflicts <br />over resources. <br />Continuity of Operations <br />• Disruption of water-dependent operations, including agriculture, industry, and public utilities. <br />• Need for water rationing or prioritizing critical services, such as healthcare and firefighting. <br />• Challenges in maintaining normal government operations due to resource scarcity and increased <br />demands on infrastructure. <br />Impact on Property, Facilities, and Infrastructure <br />• Damage to infrastructure such as water treatment plants, reservoirs, and pipelines due to <br />overuse or drying up. <br />• Increased wear and tear on buildings and roads due to heat stress and lack of moisture. <br />• Potential for increased fire hazards, leading to property loss and infrastructure damage. <br />Impact on the Environment <br />• Degradation of ecosystems, including loss of wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats. <br />• Reduced water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, impacting aquatic life and biodiversity. <br />• Increased soil erosion and desertification, leading to long-term land degradation. <br />Impact on the Economy of the Jurisdiction <br />• Decreased river levels impacting movement of goods in/out of the county. <br />• Significant economic losses in agriculture, particularly in crop and livestock production.