Lehigh County’s water and wastewater utility declared a drought watch Friday, and called on its customers to voluntarily cut their water usage by at least 5%.
“We are not facing an immediate water shortage, but current conditions call for early, thoughtful action,” Liesel Gross, Lehigh County Authority CEO, said in a new release. “A small reduction of just 5% across our system can make a meaningful difference in preserving supply, maintaining system pressure, and ensuring reliable service all customers.”
As of Thursday, the U.S. Drought Monitor considers all of Northampton County and most of Lehigh County to be experiencing moderate drought conditions. Less than an inch of rain has fallen this month in the Lehigh Valley, following a similarly extended dry period, according to weather service data.
The Lehigh County Authority said its water system remains safe and reliable, but the lack of rain means groundwater aquifers are slow to recharge, and stream flow has been reduced.
An observation well in Haafsville, Upper Macungie, recorded a water depth of 75.2 feet below ground Friday evening, the lowest point in at least a year. The water level has been declining since July, when the depth was recorded at 58 feet.
A drought watch is a “proactive, precautionary measure” designed to “slow demand and protect long-term water availability if dry conditions continue,” according to the news release. The authority is not imposing mandatory conditions at this time.
The LCA is asking customers to:
Limit lawn watering and irrigation as plants enter dormancy
Fix dripping faucets, running toilets and sprinkler leaks
Shut off the water supply to outside spigots if no longer in use
Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads
Take shorter showers and turn off the tap while brushing teeth
Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, instead of washing at home
The Lehigh County Authority provides water and wastewater services to approximately 270,000 people.