DOVER, Pa. — A central Pennsylvania township is enacting a mandatory ban on nonessential water use, effective immediately.
Dover Township announced the ban today, citing a lack of rain in October and no significant storms forecasted in the coming future.
"The weather patterns have been frustrating to watch," officials said in a press release.
The Township's Board of Supervisors say they had hoped voluntary restriction requests would help curb water use in Dover, but those restrictions did not result in a sufficiently reduced demand.
"It is now critical for our customers to conserve, to protect the water resource, and ensure it is available for the most vulnerable and highest priority water needs of the community," authorities said.
Effective immediately, the following water uses are deemed nonessential and prohibited within Dover Township's service areas:
- The use of any water for watering grass, athletic fields, and irrigation of outdoor gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants.
- The use of any water for watering any portion of golf courses.
- The use of any water for washing paved surfaces, for ornamental purposes, including fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools.
- The use of any water for washing or cleaning of mobile equipment, like vehicles.
- The serving of water in restaurants, clubs or eating places, unless specifically requested by an individual.
- The use of any water to fill and top off swimming pools.
- The use of water from a fire hydrant—including sprinkler caps—for any purpose, except for firefighting or testing apparatus with prior notice to Dover Township.
- The use of any water that is not necessary to serve essential health, safety or economic needs, including the maintenance of human, animal and plant life.
"This is not a situation any of us want to be in, but nature is not cooperating, and we must ensure that our customers have water when they need it," Township officials said. "We are most concerned about public health and ask our community to come together at this critical point."
Residents are invited to contact the office at 717-292-3634 with any other questions regarding this mandatory water restriction on nonessential water use. The Utilities Superintendent can also be reached via email at Mhelwig@dovertownship.org.
