The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a statewide drought watch in Pennsylvania, prompting residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water. Despite recent rain, the lack of spring rainfall and minimal winter snowfall have led to lowered stream flows, dropping groundwater levels, and persistent precipitation deficits.
DEP Acting Secretary Rich Negrin emphasizes the importance of water conservation to mitigate potential future impacts on water supplies if the scant rainfall continues throughout the summer.
To reduce nonessential water use, residents can follow these simple tips: run dishwashers and washing machines only when full, avoid letting faucets run while brushing teeth or shaving, take shorter showers, water lawns only when necessary and avoid windy and hot days, mow lawns with blades set at 2-3 inches high to promote moisture retention, water gardens sparingly and during cooler hours, and skip car washing or opt for drive-through car washes that recycle water.
Other suggestions include sweeping sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them off, checking and repairing household leaks, and utilizing rain barrels or buckets to capture and reuse rainwater.
Currently, 18 public water suppliers are requesting voluntary water conservation, while DEP notifies all water suppliers to monitor their supplies and update drought contingency plans accordingly. The Department of Agriculture also urges farm operations to protect their viability amid weather-related risks and volatility.
Additionally, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources warns of increased fire risk due to low precipitation, with a significant rise in wildfires reported compared to previous years.
Residents are encouraged to act responsibly to prevent wildfires by understanding the risk factors and visiting the DCNR's website for more information on reducing wildfire risks. For further details on drought management and conditions, the DEP's drought management fact sheet offers valuable insights.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Weather