Pennsylvania American Water has issued a voluntary water conservation notice for customers in its Nazareth service area following months of below-normal rainfall.
The company on Tuesday asked residents to reduce non-essential water usage as part of its drought contingency plan as water levels continue to decline in the region.
“Water levels have been decreasing gradually over the last few months,” said Don Kessler, senior manager of operations at Pennsylvania American Water. “To avoid a more serious situation if the dry weather continues, we’re asking customers in Nazareth and the surrounding communities to voluntarily reduce the non-essential usage of water.”
The conservation notice applies to Pennsylvania American Water customers across Northampton County in the Easton area, Nazareth, Pen Argyl, Stockertown, Tatamy, Wind Gap and Bushkill, Forks, Lower Nazareth, Palmer, Plainfield, Upper Nazareth and Washington townships.
Kessler emphasized that small changes can have a significant impact. “Simple reductions in water usage now by customers can make a big difference,” he said.
The company has provided a list of non-essential water uses that should be eliminated, including watering lawns and gardens (except by hand-held hose or container), washing paved surfaces, watering golf courses (except tees and greens), using ornamental fountains, washing vehicles, and serving water in restaurants unless requested.
Pennsylvania American Water has also shared indoor conservation tips for residents, such as only running full loads in dishwashers and washing machines, checking for leaks, installing water-efficient fixtures, and turning off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
Outdoor conservation measures include watering lawns only when necessary and doing so in early morning or evening to reduce evaporation, as well as using a broom instead of a hose to clean outdoor surfaces.
The company offers additional water conservation resources on its website and through the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s online Water Use Calculator.
The voluntary conservation notice will remain in effect until further notice, with Pennsylvania American Water promising to provide updates as the situation develops.
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in Pennsylvania, serving approximately 2.4 million people with water and wastewater services.
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by Pennsylvania American Water. It was reviewed and edited by lehighvalleylive.com.
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