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Pennsylvania American Water Encourages Water Conservation During Drought Watch

Pennsylvania American Water has recently reached out to its customers in 17 counties, urging them to voluntarily cut back on nonessential water use in response to a drought watch declaration from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This is an essential step to conserve water during a challenging time for the region's water supply.

Understanding the Drought Watch

On December 4, 2025, the Commonwealth Drought Task Force convened to discuss the water supply situation in Pennsylvania and subsequently expanded a drought watch declaration to encompass 37 counties, including 17 where Pennsylvania American Water operates. This initiative came as a result of concerning water level data and relevant public indicators such as precipitation rates, surface water flow, groundwater levels, and soil moisture conditions.

A drought watch is classified as the first and least severe stage in Pennsylvania's drought system; however, it highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent further strain on water resources. According to Brandy Braun, the company’s director of water quality and environmental compliance, “While our current water sources are sufficient to meet customer needs, we want to prepare for potential worsening conditions that may require stricter conservation measures.”

Tips for Reducing Water Use

As part of its commitment to encouraging responsible water usage, Pennsylvania American Water is promoting a reduction of between 10-15%, which translates to approximately 11-16 gallons per day for each customer. Here are some practical tips on how residents and businesses can conserve water:

• - Full Loads Only: Operate dishwashers and washing machines only when they are completely full. If available, utilize water-saver cycles.
• - Leak Checks: Regularly check toilets, faucets, and pipes for leaks. Utilizing free leak detection kits provided by the company can aid in this process. Promptly repairing any leaks found is crucial.
• - Install Efficient Fixtures: Consider installing water-saving devices such as showerheads, toilets, and faucet aerators to significantly reduce consumption without sacrificing performance.
• - Choose Efficient Appliances: When purchasing new appliances, look for those labeled with WaterSense, which indicates they use at least 20% less water while maintaining quality.
• - Mindful Brushing: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes to conserve water.
• - Water Wisely: Water lawns only when necessary, preferably in the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation.
• - Cleaning Alternatives: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and patios, conserving precious water resources.
• - Rain Barrel Usage: Set up rain barrels to collect rainwater, which can be reused for outdoor watering needs during dryer spells.

Educational Resources for Customers

To support its customers in these efforts, Pennsylvania American Water has made various water conservation resources available on its website. The company is also a member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, providing a handy online Water Use Calculator that can help households assess specific water usage and identify areas for potential savings.

Continued education about water conservation is vital to ensuring long-term sustainability. As such, Pennsylvania American Water frequently shares conservation tips and updates through email campaigns, bill enclosures, and social media platforms.

In Conclusion

In light of this drought watch declaration, residents and businesses are urged to take immediate action to reduce nonessential water use. It’s a collective effort that not only preserves resources but also sets the stage for responsible water management in the future. Stay informed about water conservation efforts to ensure that Pennsylvania's water resources remain sustainable for generations to come.

For more detailed information, visit the Pennsylvania American Water website and follow the company on social media to keep up with updates on conservation measures and tips.