The Commonwealth Drought Task Force has expanded drought warnings in parts of southeastern Pennsylvania after continued dry conditions and limited groundwater recovery across the region.
Following its June 29 meeting, the task force elevated Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Lehigh counties from Drought Watch to Drought Warning, citing worsening conditions despite some recent rainfall. State officials say many areas of southeastern and southcentral Pennsylvania continue to experience below-normal precipitation, low stream flows, declining groundwater levels, and dry soil conditions.
Counties Currently Under Drought Warning
The following eight counties are now under a Drought Warning:
- Berks
- Chester
- Cumberland
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Lancaster
- Lebanon
- Lehigh
Meanwhile, 11 counties remain under a Drought Watch, including:
- Adams
- Bedford
- Blair
- Bucks
- Dauphin
- Delaware
- Montgomery
- Northampton
- Perry
- Philadelphia
- York
The remaining 48 counties across Pennsylvania are currently considered to be in normal status.
What a Drought Warning Means
A Drought Warning is not the same as a drought emergency. It does not trigger mandatory statewide water restrictions. However, state officials strongly encourage residents, businesses, and industries to voluntarily reduce water use by approximately 10 to 15 percent.
Local water suppliers and municipalities may also issue their own conservation requests or restrictions based on conditions within their service areas. Residents are encouraged to follow any guidance provided by their local water utility.
Lehigh County Residents Asked to Conserve Water
Following the updated declaration, the Lehigh County Authority is asking customers to voluntarily reduce water use by 10 to 15 percent.
Conservation tips include:
- Limit outdoor watering of lawns.
- Repair leaking faucets and toilets.
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
- Take shorter showers.
- Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
- Avoid unnecessary water use whenever possible.
How Pennsylvania Determines Drought Status
The Commonwealth Drought Task Force evaluates four primary indicators when determining drought declarations:
- Precipitation
- Stream flows
- Groundwater levels
- Soil moisture
These factors are reviewed over periods ranging from three to twelve months before counties are placed into Normal, Watch, Warning, or Emergency status. A drought emergency, which could include mandatory restrictions, would require additional approvals if conditions continue to deteriorate.
State officials say recovery across southeastern Pennsylvania has been slower than expected, and while isolated rainfall has occurred, it has not been enough to significantly replenish groundwater supplies or improve overall drought conditions.
Residents are encouraged to continue conserving water and monitor updates from their local water provider as Pennsylvania heads further into the summer months.
