In response to worsening drought conditions and a surge in wildfires, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a statewide drought watch, calling for voluntary water conservation efforts from residents and businesses. While no mandatory restrictions are in place, the DEP urges a 5-10% reduction in nonessential water usage.
To conserve water at home, simple measures can be taken, such as running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads, minimizing faucet use while brushing teeth or shaving, and opting for shorter showers. Watering lawns should be limited to necessary instances, avoiding windy and hot days, while focusing on efficient and deep watering to promote healthier root systems. Additionally, adjusting lawn mower blades to a height of 2-3 inches helps retain soil moisture.
The DEP advises watering gardens less frequently, preferably during cooler morning or evening hours, and prioritizing new plantings with shallow roots. Other conservation practices include skipping car washing or choosing water-recycling drive-through car washes, sweeping outdoor areas instead of hosing them down, and promptly repairing household leaks.
Eighteen public water suppliers have already requested voluntary water conservation measures within their communities. The DEP provides a map and weekly list of suppliers with water use reduction requests on their drought web page.
In conjunction with the drought watch, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources alerts residents to an elevated wildfire risk due to low precipitation. Pennsylvanians are urged to understand the factors contributing to wildfires, such as dried fuel sources and ignition risks caused by human activities. The Department encourages awareness of wildfire danger, offering resources on reducing risks.
Drought watch declarations are based on multiple indicators, including precipitation, surface water flow, groundwater levels, and soil moisture. DEP collaborates closely with the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor these indicators and provides data and recommendations to the Commonwealth Drought Task Force.
As Pennsylvania addresses the intensifying drought and wildfire concerns, voluntary water conservation efforts and proactive measures will play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts on water resources and minimizing wildfire incidents.
Photo Credit: istock-shironosov
Categories: Pennsylvania, Weather