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Here is news that did not make major headlines in December 2025.

According to a U.S. Drought Monitor December 18, 2025 report for Alabama, 73% of the state is experiencing drought conditions, impacting an estimated 3,517,772 people.

Why is this important?

When a drought occurs, several things happen. At the moderate drought stage, designated by the U.S. Drought Monitor, ponds and streams are low and campfires are banned in National Forests.

If the drought reaches severe levels, crops are damaged, some ponds and streams go dry and hydroelectric power decreases.

And then there is extreme and exceptional drought. The impact?

Air quality is poor (caused by increased wildfires and dust storms).
Water conservation measures are likely implemented.
Large municipalities will begin water restrictions and might increase water prices, while in rural areas wildfires spread and crops are devastated.
Water quality deteriorates because the natural river system is altered by taking water out of a low flow river, stream or lake and then putting polluted and sewer water back into it, albeit some of it may have been treated.

This December 2025, counties in the Black Belt — Marengo, Hale, Perry and Greene — are experiencing extreme and exceptional drought.

Lessening the impact of droughts on our state’s natural resources and people’s wallets is the reason why water conservation matters in Alabama.

In our first two stories in our series about making eco-friendly resolutions in Alabama for 2026, we explored ways people can begin composting and saving energy.

In our third and final edition, we will look at why Alabamians should resolve to reduce their water footprint in 2026.

Check it out here: 2026 eco-friendly resolutions: Water conservation in Alabama

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