According to the DEP, Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, and Schuylkill counties are under a drought watch.

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a drought watch in 25 counties, including four in northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

Bradford, Clinton, Lycoming, and Schuylkill counties are under the drought watch.


Drought declarations are based on four factors: precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, and soil moisture. The DEP makes its drought declarations after assessing departures from normal ranges of all four indicators during periods of 3 to 12 months.

“Pennsylvania received very little rain over the summer. We want residents to be aware of these dry conditions and be mindful of their water use,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. 

Officials say residents are encouraged, but not required, to reduce their water use by 5 to 10 percent.

Here are some recommended ways to conserve water usage:

Run the dishwasher and washing machine less often and only with full loads. Shorten the time you let the water run to warm up before showering, and take shorter showers. The shower and toilet are the two biggest indoor water guzzlers.Check for and repair household leaks. For example, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets. Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40 to 50 percent less energy.

You can find more tips on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s website, and more drought information on the DEP website by clicking here.