Indiana and some neighboring counties remain under drought watch status this morning as other counties are added to the drought watch list and one county enters a drought warning phase.
Eighteen counties in Pennsylvania are under the drought watch as of this morning. The state Department of Environmental Protection added Elk, Lycoming and Tioga counties to the list yesterday, which includes Indiana, Armstrong, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Fayette, Huntingdon, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin and Perry. Potter County had been under a drought watch, but was moved to a drought warning as of yesterday.
Residents under a drought watch are asked to reduce their water use by 5-10 percent. Based on a statewide average of 62 gallons a day, this is a reduction of three to six gallons per day.
The DEP recommends some simple measures to reduce water around the house. Those include:
- Running water only when necessary.
- Running the dishwasher and washing machines only when you have full loads.
- Watering the garden or lawns in the evening or morning hours.
- Avoid watering the lawn or garden on hot or windy days
- Re-use old water from bird baths, vases or pet bowls to water plants
- Check for household leaks
- Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets
- Replacing older appliances with high-efficiency models
The DEP has not declared a drought emergency as of yet.
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