This is a great reminder on what to look for and do! I am on a well, in a very dry area. We don't use too much water, but in the summer we use more because the animals need sprinklers to help keep cool in the hottest part of the day. I am sure I could do something else for them, but I also need to water the area around them (to water the grasses and to keep it generally cool). So at least me using a sprinkler serves a dual purpose! Haha. Keeping the area greener helps keep the area cooler. I guess we will find out one day if this method is no good. It's so warm here!
I definitely would have been pretty freaked out when the water just stopped. Can't just call the landlord when you own the property!
Greenery definitely helps. Our property is maybe 80% wooded and it makes a big difference heat-wise. The shade seems to help keep the air near the ground cooler!