HARRISBURG, Pa. — A drought watch will remain in effect for 13 counties across Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced Friday after a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force that a drought watch will continue for the following central Pa. counties: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon Counties.
The drought warning will continue for York County and Franklin County has been elevated from a drought watch to a drought warning.
Residents on drought warning are asked to reduce their individual water use by 10-15%, or a reduction of six to nine gallons of water per day.
The DEP has recommended the following ways to conserve water at home:
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine less often, and only with full loads.
- Shorten the time you let the water run to warm up before showering and take shorter showers. The shower and toilet are the two biggest indoor water guzzlers.
- Check for and repair household leaks. For example, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.
- Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.
- Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30% less water and 40-50% less energy.
For more information and tips on reducing water usage, click here.
