Drought water: Some Pennsylvania water supply systems ask customers to conserve water
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection recently declared a drought watch across the state due to mounting concerns over water scarcity.
Experts are blaming dwindling precipitation and high temperatures. KDKA-TV's Meghan Schiller learned this designation is a warning for residents to pay more attention to their water consumption.
"We want people to pay attention and then if we don't get the type of rain and it gets drier, then they've already started changing some of their behaviors," said Susan Weaver, commonwealth drought coordinator at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
KDKA-TV's Meghan Schiller asked Weaver if individual people can truly make a difference.
"Absolutely," said Weaver. "The whole process with our drought watch declaration is an awareness of the dry conditions and that we really want to start preparing for if things get worse."
Like 21 years ago, the last time our governor declared a drought emergency. Weaver tells KDKA-TV it escalates from watch to warning to an emergency. We're still two steps away from emergency, but 19 water supply systems statewide have already sent out letters to their customers, including in Northern Fayette County, asking customers to voluntarily conserve water.
The DEP is asking for people to take steps to reduce water usage, including reducing outdoor watering, taking shorter showers, and turning off the water while brushing their teeth and doing dishes.