The declarations are in response to consistent dry conditions. Pennsylvania received very little rain over September and October, capping off a dry six months, particularly in the southeast part of the state.

Remember, in a drought watch, we should all be seeking to reduce water use by about 5 percent through voluntary conservation measures. In a drought warning, we should be seeking to reduce water use by about 10-15% through voluntary conservation measures.

A drought watch or warning is not a gubernatorial emergency proclamation. Under a gubernatorial emergency proclamation, public water suppliers providing service to 50 or more customer connections with sources or a service area within a designated drought emergency area are required to develop, adopt, and submit a Drought Contingency Plan to the Water Use and Planning Section for approval. In addition, should bans on nonessential water use become mandatory, water rationing may be approved, if necessary, by the Commonwealth Drought Coordinator, as an agent of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council. Prudent use of our resources now can help to prevent, or at least delay, the need for emergency measures later.