HARRISBURG – After evaluating the effect of recent rainfall, the Department of Environmental Protection today removed 26 counties from the drought watch declared Aug. 6. The state’s drought task force also recommended that 32 counties remain in drought watch status as concern lingers over groundwater levels in some areas of the commonwealth.
“Many counties received above-normal precipitation in August and the groundwater and surface water levels in those counties have returned to normal for this time of year,” Environmental Protection Kathleen A. McGinty said. “In many of the counties that remain under a drought watch, the groundwater levels, while improving, have not completely recharged, so we’re asking people to continue to conserve water.”
The 26 counties removed from the drought watch include: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Carbon, Clarion, Crawford, Fayette, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lebanon, Mercer, Mifflin, Northumberland, Perry, Pike, Susquehanna, Tioga, Warren, Wayne, Westmoreland and York.
The drought watch remains in effect for: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Franklin, Forest, Fulton, Greene, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Monroe, Montour, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Union, Washington, Wyoming and Venango.
A drought watch is the first level — and least severe — of the state’s three drought classifications. It calls for a voluntary 5 percent reduction in non-essential water use.
DEP monitors precipitation totals, groundwater levels, streamflows, soil moisture and water supply storage when deciding whether a drought declaration is needed.
“It’s important to note this is typically the driest time of the year in Pennsylvania. So, while the voluntary 5 percent reduction in non-essential water use is no longer officially in effect for some counties, and reservoirs are in good shape, conserving water is always a good idea,” McGinty said.
She noted that individuals and water suppliers who rely on groundwater wells should be particularly aware of any drops in groundwater levels. DEP offers the following tips for conserving water:
In the Bathroom:
• Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets;
• Check for household leaks—a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day;
• Take short showers instead of baths.
In Kitchen/Laundry Areas:
• Replace older appliances with high efficiency, front loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40-50 percent less energy;
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads;
• Keep water in the refrigerator to avoid running water from a faucet until it is cold;
For Outdoor Areas:
• Water outdoors in the early morning or evening hours to cut down on evaporation;
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, steps and sidewalks;
• Use soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems to reduce water use by 20-50 percent;
• Cover swimming pools to prevent evaporation.
For more drought information and water conservation tips, visit DEP’s Web site, keyword: Drought.