PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has put a drought watch in effect for 36 counties, including four in the Philadelphia area. They are calling for people to conserve water as they monitor the situation.
Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties were placed under the watch. The overall watch area mostly includes the state’s eastern and northern counties.
“Things are not significant with regard to the dry conditions, but we do want to be prepared in the event that we don’t see the types of rainfall that we typically see and things get drier. We do want to pay attention and be prepared,” said Commonwealth Drought Coordinator Susan Weaver.
She said they want residents to be more cognizant about their water usage, and if possible, to cut it back by 5% to 10%.
They’re offering tips to help people do just that.
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“It’s simple,” said Weaver. “Things like not letting your faucet run if you’re brushing your teeth. If you are watering your garden, it’s best to water your garden when the sun is setting.”
New Jersey is also under a drought watch, where officials are asking people to keep a close eye on their water usage.
Click here for a map of all Pennsylvania counties on the drought watch list, along with water conservation recommendations.
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