The PA Department of Environmental Protection has informed Penn Township that Lancaster County has been escalated from a Drought Watch to a Drought Warning. Residents should seek to reduce water usage by 10-15% through the following voluntary measures:
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine less often, and only with full loads.
- Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Take shorter showers.
- Water your lawn only if necessary.
- When mowing your lawn, set the blades 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil, improving moisture retention.
- Water your garden less often. If necessary, water only in the cooler evening or morning hours, and direct the water to the ground at the base of the plant. Focus on new plantings, which have shallow root systems. Older plants may endure dry conditions longer.
- If you have to wash your car, it’s better environmentally to go to a drive-through car wash that recycles the water.
- Sweep your sidewalk, deck, or driveway, instead of hosing it off.
- 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.
For more information, please visit the PA Department of Environmental Protection drought information website: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/Drought/Pages/default.aspx
Jason Minnich, Commonwealth Drought Coordinator