Pennsylvania American Water is urging customers across its service area to reduce water usage voluntarily due to the drought watch declared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) last week. The company is asking residents and businesses to cut nonessential water use by 10-15%, or approximately 11-16 gallons per day, in line with DEP’s recommendations.
“We are asking our customers to be mindful of their water use during this drought watch,” said Jim Runzer, vice president of operations at Pennsylvania American Water. “While our water supply is currently sufficient, we want to prevent worsening conditions that could lead to stricter conservation measures.”
The drought watch affects 35 counties, 25 of which are within Pennsylvania American Water’s service area, including Adams, Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Montgomery, York, and others.
The DEP issued the drought watch on November 1, following an assessment by the Commonwealth Drought Task Force based on water supply levels and four key indicators: precipitation, surface water flow, groundwater levels, and soil moisture. A drought watch is the first and least severe of Pennsylvania’s three drought stages.
To help customers conserve water, Pennsylvania American Water offers resources on its website, including water conservation tips, a Water Use Calculator, and access to free leak detection kits. The company is also a member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency and shares conservation reminders through emails, bill inserts, and social media.
Here are some tips for conserving water at home:
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, and use water-saver cycles if available.
- Check toilets, faucets, and pipes for leaks and repair them promptly.
- Install water-efficient showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
- Use WaterSense-labeled appliances for better efficiency.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
- Water lawns only when necessary, ideally in the early morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
- Clean driveways and patios with a broom instead of a hose.
- Consider using a rain barrel to collect rainwater for reuse.
