MECHANICSBURG — Pennsylvania American Water is urging customers to voluntarily reduce their water consumption in support of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Drought Warning for McKean County.
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 10-15 percent in counties in drought warning status. According to DEP, this amounts to a reduction of 3-6 gallons of water per day and 6-9 gallons of water per day, respectively, based on a statewide average.
“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,” said Andrew Clarkson, vice president of operations for Pennsylvania American Water. “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 the home:
• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. Use the water-saver cycle if it’s available.
• Regularly check the toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks with Pennsylvania American Water’s free leak detection kits. Have any leaks 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 teeth or washing dishes in the sink.
• Water the lawn only when it needs it. People who do water their lawn should water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean the sidewalk, driveway or patio.
