MECHANICSBURG, Pa., July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pennsylvania American Water is encouraging customers throughout portions of its statewide service territory to voluntarily reduce their water consumption in response to the drought watch declaration expansion announced recently 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 10-15% (a reduction of approximately 11-16 gallons per day) in accordance with DEP’s guidance.
“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.”
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.
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. According to DEP, a drought warning declaration is the second 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 visitors to input water use information specific to their household and offers tips on where they can save water and energy based on that data. The company also periodically shares water conservation tips and reminders with customers through email campaigns, bill enclosures and social media posts.
Below are tips for conserving water inside and outside the home:
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.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 1,200 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people.
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SOURCE American Water
FAQ
Why is Pennsylvania American Water (AWK) asking customers to reduce water use in July 2026?
Pennsylvania American Water is requesting voluntary water reductions due to an expanded drought watch by the Pennsylvania DEP. According to the company, early conservation supports supplies and may help prevent stricter mandatory measures if conditions worsen.
How much should AWK customers cut nonessential water use during the Pennsylvania drought watch?
Pennsylvania American Water is asking customers to reduce nonessential water use by 10–15%, about 11–16 gallons per day. According to the company, this aligns with DEP guidance and targets discretionary uses like lawn watering and outdoor cleaning.
Which counties served by Pennsylvania American Water are affected by the July 2026 drought watch?
Nine counties in Pennsylvania American Water’s service area are affected: Adams, Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Northampton and York. According to the company, these lie within the 18 counties currently under the DEP’s drought watch declaration.
What is the difference between drought watch and drought warning mentioned by Pennsylvania American Water?
According to Pennsylvania DEP, a drought warning is the second of three state drought classifications, more serious than a watch. Pennsylvania American Water notes Berks, Lancaster, Lebanon and Lehigh counties recently shifted from watch to warning, based on water-supply and environmental indicators.
Are Pennsylvania American Water supplies currently adequate despite the drought watch in 2026?
According to Pennsylvania American Water, current water sources are adequate to meet customer needs. The company is encouraging voluntary conservation now to prepare for the possibility of more severe conditions and stricter conservation measures if the drought intensifies.
What practical water-saving tips does Pennsylvania American Water recommend during the drought watch?
Pennsylvania American Water recommends full loads for dishwashers and washers, fixing leaks, installing water-saving fixtures, and watering lawns only when needed. It also suggests sweeping instead of hosing surfaces and using rain barrels to capture and reuse rainfall.