MECHANICSBURG, Pa., — Pennsylvania American Water is asking customers throughout some areas of its statewide service territory to voluntarily reduce their water consumption in response to the drought watch declaration expansion.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the expansion recently.

Pennsylvania American Water is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their nonessential water use by 10-15% (a reduction of approximately 11-16 gallons per day) in accordance with DEP’s guidance, according to a news release.

“We’re asking our customers in affected areas to observe the DEP’s request and be mindful of their nonessential water use during this drought watch,” said Brandy Braun, director of water quality and environmental compliance for Pennsylvania American Water. “Our sources of supply are currently adequate to meet the needs of our customers, but we want to prepare for the potential for more severe conditions that could lead to stricter conservation measures in the future.”

Officials say of the 18 counties currently included in DEP’s drought watch declaration, nine are within areas where Pennsylvania American Water provides water service.

Those counties include Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northampton and York, the news release details.

Following a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force on June 29, 2026, DEP worsened its declaration from Watch to Warning for four counties – Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon and Lehigh – based on public water supply levels and data related to four indicators: Precipitation, surface water flow, groundwater level and soil moisture, Pennsylvania American Water said.

According to DEP, a drought warning declaration is the second level of the state’s three drought classifications.

Pennsylvania American Water says it offers multiple water conservation resources in the Wise Water Use section of its website.

Below are tips for conserving water inside and outside the home provided by Pennsylvania American Water:

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% more efficient while maintaining 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.