Pennsylvania American Water Asks Customers to Voluntarily Reduce Nonessential Water Use Due to Drought Watch Declaration

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (June 16, 2023) – Pennsylvania American Water is encouraging customers statewide to voluntarily reduce their water consumption in response to the drought watch declaration announced yesterday by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). While the company always encourages wise water use, Pennsylvania American Water is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their nonessential water use by 5-10 percent (a reduction of 3-6 gallons per day) in accordance with DEP’s guidance.

“We’re asking our customers to observe the DEP’s request and be mindful of their nonessential water use during this drought watch, while we vigilantly monitor our drinking water sources,” said Jim Runzer, vice president of operations for Pennsylvania American Water. “Our sources of supply are currently adequate 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 summer.” 

DEP issued the drought declaration on June 15 following a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, based on public water supply levels and data related to four indicators: precipitation, surface water flow, groundwater level and soil moisture. According to DEP, a drought watch declaration is the first and least severe level of the state’s three drought classifications. Learn more on DEP’s drought information webpage.

Pennsylvania American Water offers multiple water conservation resources in the Wise Water Use section of its website. It also is a member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency, which developed an online Water Use Calculator that allows you to input water use information specific to your household and offers tips on where you can save water and energy based on that data. The company will be sharing summer water conservation tips and reminders with customers through upcoming email campaigns, bill enclosures and social media posts.

Below are tips for conserving water inside and outside your home this summer: 

• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
• Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks with our free leak detection kits. If you find a leak, have it 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 your teeth or washing dishes in the sink.
• Water your lawn only when it needs it. When you do, water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. 
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway or patio. 
• Set up a rain barrel to be ready to repurpose rain when it does fall. For information, see this Penn State Extension guide.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people. For more information, visit www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com and follow Pennsylvania American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs approximately 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable, and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.