The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a drought watch for 36 counties, including Montgomery County. Residents on drought watch are asked to reduce their individual water use by 5 to 10%, or a reduction of three to six gallons of water per day. DEP has notified all water suppliers of the need to monitor their supplies. Varying localized conditions may lead water suppliers or municipalities to ask residents for more stringent conservation actions.
Some conservation tips offered by DEP include:
• Run water only when necessary. Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Shorten the time you let the water run to warm up before showering.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine less often, and only with full loads.
• Water your garden in the cooler evening or morning hours and direct the water to the ground at the base of the plant, so you don’t waste water through evaporation.
• Water your lawn only if necessary.
• When mowing your lawn, set the blades to 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil, improving moisture retention.
• Check for and repair household leaks. For example, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.
• Set up a rain barrel to be ready to repurpose rain when it does fall.
