HARRISBURG — After a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, the Department of Environmental Protection on Thursday moved Potter County to drought warning status and added three counties — Elk, Lycoming, and Tioga — to drought watch.

There are now 18 counties on drought watch: Cameron, Elk, McKean, Armstrong, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Fayette, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Perry, and Tioga.

Residents on drought watch are asked to reduce their individual water use 5-10 percent, based on a statewide average of 62 gallons per person per day. This means a reduction of three to six gallons of water per day.

Potter County residents are asked to reduce their individual water use 10-15 percent, or by six to nine gallons a day.

“We’re asking residents in these counties to use water wisely and follow simple water conservation tips to ease the demand for water,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.

There are many ways to reduce water use around the house and yard, including running water only when necessary; run the dishwasher and washing machines only when full; water lawns only when necessary; re-use old water, like that from pet bowls, to water plants; and check for household leaks.

DEP is notifying all water suppliers in these counties of the need to monitor their supplies and be prepared by updating their drought contingency plans as necessary. Varying localized conditions may lead water suppliers or municipalities to ask residents for more stringent conservation actions by residents. Sixteen water suppliers in these counties have begun asking or requiring residents to reduce their water use.