Drought Watch in Effect for Area

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issused a drought watch alert for Philadelphia and its surrounding counties, despite this past week's heavy thunderstorms.

With drought watch, "the first and least severe level of the state’s three drought classifications," the DEP asks residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 5 percent for "non-essential water use." It also puts large water consumers "on notice to begin planning for the possibility of reduced water supplies."

The watch is in effect for 40 counties, including Delaware, Philadelphia, Bucks and Chester. (Chester County precipitation deficits over the past 90 days are 4.4 inches below normal, the agency stated.)

Four upstate counties are under a more serious designation—a "drought warning," which asks residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 10 to 15 percent.

"In addition to precipitation, groundwater and stream flow levels, DEP monitors soil moisture and water supply storage and shares this data with other state and federal agencies," the agency said.

The DEP recommends individuals take the following measures conserve water, at any time or season:

• Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.
• Check for household leaks. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40 to 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.