Arizona is known for its dry climate, but when typical dryness turns to drought, residents begin to worry about the water supply.

On Thursday, the Local Drought Impact Group met to set up subcommittees that will address issues related to the ongoing drought. The subcommittees will work on education and outreach, funding and drought mitigation, drought monitoring and response.

On Feb. 22, the Graham/Greenlee Local Drought Impact Group held its inaugural meeting. Each county’s board of supervisors appointed members of a steering committee tasked with laying the groundwork for the Local Drought Impact Group. According to an Arizona Department of Water Resources drought map, Graham and Greenlee counties are among several eastern Arizona counties in an area designated “abnormally dry,” while parts of Mohave, Yavapai and LaPaz counties are in a severe drought. Western and northern counties are in a moderate drought, the map shows.

Counties throughout Arizona have either formed or are in the process of forming similar groups to address issues related to the state’s ongoing drought.

In 2004, the state began work on a drought preparedness plan that includes several components — including drought monitoring; identification of drought stages and expected responses; roles of government agencies, non-governmental organizations and drought-related citizens groups; communications process; identification of legislative and resource needs; process of updating the plan; and suggested programs and activities that will limit vulnerability to drought within regions and sectors.