County residents asked to reduce water usage
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Pennsylvania American Water is urging customers in Warren County to voluntarily reduce their water usage.
"While Pennsylvania American Water encourages its customers to always use water wisely, the company is asking residents and businesses to reduce their individual water usage by 5 to 10 percent in counties in drought watch status and by 10 to 15 percent in counties in drought warning status," according to a release from Western Pennsylvania External Affairs Manager Gary Lobaugh. "According to DEP, this amounts to a reduction of three to six gallons of water per day (in counties in the watch) and six to nine gallons of water per day (for counties under the warning), respectively, based on a statewide average."
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection added Warren County to the list of counties in a drought watch on Wednesday.
"We continue to ask our customers to observe the DEP's request and be mindful of their non-essential water use in counties under drought watches and warnings while we vigilantly monitor our drinking water sources," Andrew Clarkson, vice president of operations for Pennsylvania American Water, said. "Our sources of supply continue to meet the needs of our customers, but we want to mitigate the potential for more severe conditions that could lead to stricter conservation measures later this fall."
"Pennsylvania American Water offers the following tips for conserving water inside and outside your home:
"Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it;
"Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks with our free leak detection kits. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible;
"Install water-saving showerheads, toilets and faucet aerators;
"Consider water and energy-efficient appliances. Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance;
"Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes in the sink;
"Water your lawn only when it needs it. When you do, water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation; and
"Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway or patio."
Additional resources may be found at https://amwater.com/paaw/water-information/wise-water-use.