Despite increased levels of precipitation over the past few weeks, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is maintaining a statewide drought watch.
The DEP said stream flows are responding but longer-term precipitation deficits persist in many areas. Additionally, groundwater levels remain low in certain areas of the state. Indiana and neighboring Westmoreland, Cambria, Jefferson, Armstrong and Clearfield counties were not listed among affected areas.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce nonessential water use while the drought is in place. Ways to conserve water can be found below.
Stay with Your Hometown Radio Stations both on-air and online for updated Accuweather forecasts and weather information.
To preserve water:
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine less often, and only with full loads.
- Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Take shorter showers. For example, consider not washing your hair daily.
- Water your lawn only if necessary. Avoid watering on windy and hot days. Watering grass lightly and efficiently will encourage healthier, deeper grass roots. Overwatering is wasteful, encourages fungal growth and disease, and results in shallow, compacted root systems that are more susceptible to drought.
- When mowing your lawn, set the blades 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil, improving moisture retention.
- Water your garden less often. If necessary, water only in the cooler evening or morning hours, and direct the water to the ground at the base of the plant. Focus on new plantings, which have shallow root systems. Older plants may endure dry conditions longer.
- Skip the car washing. If you have to wash your car, it’s better environmentally to go to a drive-through car wash that recycles the water.
- Sweep your sidewalk, deck, or driveway, instead of hosing it off.
- Check for and repair household leaks. For example, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.
- Set up a rain barrel to be ready to repurpose rain when it does fall. For helpful information, see this Penn State Extension guide. Or just set out a bucket to capture water in the event of rain, and reuse it to water plants or the bird bath.
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