Pennsylvania Water Users Asked to Cut Use

Pennsylvania American Water is asking customers in nine counties to voluntarily reduce nonessential water use by 10% to 15%, or about 11 to 16 gallons per day, following an expanded state drought declaration. The request covers service areas in Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northampton and York counties. Its sources of supply are currently adequate to meet the needs of its customers, according to Brandy Braun, director of water quality and environmental compliance. The conservation request follows action by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, which has placed 18 counties under drought watch conditions.

Nine Counties in Service Area

Nine of the 18 counties in the state’s drought watch declaration include Pennsylvania American Water service areas. The utility’s request follows the drought watch declaration expansion by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

After a June 29 meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, DEP moved Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon and Lehigh counties from drought watch to drought warning. The state based the change on public water supply levels and four indicators: precipitation, surface water flow, groundwater level and soil moisture. A drought warning is the second level in Pennsylvania’s three drought classifications.

Brandy Braun, director of water quality and environmental compliance at Pennsylvania American Water, said:

“We're asking our customers in affected areas to observe the DEP's request and be mindful of their nonessential water use during this drought watch. Our sources of supply are currently adequate to meet the needs of our customers, but we want to prepare for the potential for more severe conditions that could lead to stricter conservation measures in the future.”

Household Conservation Resources

The company directs customers to its Wise Water Use resources for household conservation guidance. It also points customers to an online Water Use Calculator, developed by the Alliance for Water Efficiency, which allows households to enter their water-use information and receive water- and energy-saving tips.

Customers can use free leak detection kits to check toilets, faucets and pipes. Pennsylvania American Water also recommends running dishwashers and clothes washers only with full loads, installing water-saving showerheads, toilets and faucet aerators, and turning off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes.

Outdoor Water Use

For outdoor conservation, the utility advises residents to water lawns only when needed and to do so in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. It also recommends using a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks, driveways and patios.

Customers considering rain barrels can consult a Penn State Extension guide on collecting rainfall for reuse.