The publication provides an overview of basic drought- and water-related in-formation and principles (such as the definition of drought; U.S. drought and water-use trends; the relationship between drought and climate change; water distribution; water treatment and classification; and water-related policy). This document addresses numerous drought-related public health effects, which are organized into several broad categories within the document. This document also contains information regarding drought preparation and response. To ensure usability, the document organizes these activities into two broad categories: those that should be conducted before and in the early stages of drought and those relevant to late-stage, severe drought conditions. This discussion also provides readers with tables and tools designed to provide further guidance on preparedness activities, such as examples of at-risk populations and the health implications relevant for specific groups, potential partners in drought preparedness activities, and communication objectives and actions relevant to specific target audiences.