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Pennsylvania American Water is urging its customers to voluntarily reduce their water usage due to ongoing drought concerns. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently escalated the drought status in Berks and Lancaster counties from a Drought Watch to a Drought Warning. This decision was based on several indicators, including public water supply levels.
Despite currently meeting customer needs, Pennsylvania American Water is asking residents to cut nonessential water use by 10 to 15 percent. Brandy Braun, director of water quality and environmental compliance, stated, "Our sources of supply are currently adequate, but we want to prepare for the potential for more severe conditions."
The company is focusing on nine counties within its service area, including Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northampton, and York. The DEP's drought warning is the second level in the state's three-tier drought classification system, which considers precipitation, surface water flow, groundwater level, and soil moisture.
Pennsylvania American Water provides resources for water conservation on its website and offers a Water Use Calculator to help customers identify ways to save water and energy. The utility also shares conservation tips through emails, bill inserts, and social media.
For more information, customers can visit the Pennsylvania American Water website.