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Task force declares Drought Watch in 25 Pa. counties
NorthcentralPA.com
Archived link: https://archive.ph/umPqP#selection-3431.0-3431.52
Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force has announced that Beaver, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Schuylkill, Somerset, Tioga, Venango, Warren, and Washington counties are now under a Drought Watch.
“Pennsylvania received very little rain over the summer. We want residents to be aware of these dry conditions and be mindful of their water use,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley. “DEP makes drought declarations based on long-term trends. A severe thunderstorm or a rainy week may not lift the drought status for a particular area.”
Drought declarations are based on four factors: precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, and soil moisture. The DEP Drought Coordinator monitors these indicators in close partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which maintains gauges in streams and wells in many locations across Pa.
During a Drought Watch, residents are encouraged, but not required to reduce their water use by 5-10%. DEP typically declares a Drought Watch if three of the four factors listed above are in a “watch” status.
A Drought Watch differs from a Warning or Emergency. During a Warning, three of the four factors listed above are in a "warning" status, and residents are encouraged to reduce water use by 10-15%. In a Drought Emergency, water restrictions may be implemented. Water suppliers and/or municipal governments will provide guidance. Drought Emergencies are very rare.
- more at link -
“Pennsylvania received very little rain over the summer. We want residents to be aware of these dry conditions and be mindful of their water use,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley. “DEP makes drought declarations based on long-term trends. A severe thunderstorm or a rainy week may not lift the drought status for a particular area.”
Drought declarations are based on four factors: precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, and soil moisture. The DEP Drought Coordinator monitors these indicators in close partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which maintains gauges in streams and wells in many locations across Pa.
During a Drought Watch, residents are encouraged, but not required to reduce their water use by 5-10%. DEP typically declares a Drought Watch if three of the four factors listed above are in a “watch” status.
A Drought Watch differs from a Warning or Emergency. During a Warning, three of the four factors listed above are in a "warning" status, and residents are encouraged to reduce water use by 10-15%. In a Drought Emergency, water restrictions may be implemented. Water suppliers and/or municipal governments will provide guidance. Drought Emergencies are very rare.
I'm surprised that Allegheny County isn't on this list also. We just had an all-day rain yesterday, so things are looking better, but my grass has been browned out for much of the summer. The weather has been very unusual in Pennsylvania. Our skies have been sunny and cloud-free for most summer days. Pittsburghers aren't used to that, but not many are complaining!
