Company Asks Pa. Counties to Reduce Consumption
Pennsylvania American Water has requested that customers voluntarily reduce water consumption by 5 percent in support of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) drought watch for 29 counties in western and north central Pennsylvania.
The drought watch is a result of the below normal rainfall condition, which has occurred during the past few months and has resulted in low stream-flow levels.
"We want to reinforce DEP's request that homeowners and businesses do what they can to voluntarily reduce water consumption during this drought watch," said Daniel Hufton, senior director of production for Pennsylvania American Water. "Conservation measures by customers will help us maintain adequate water supply until we get relief with more precipitation this fall and winter."
Pennsylvania American Water offers the following tips for conserving water inside your home:
•Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators in your sinks.
•Shorten showers to 7-10 minutes.
•Turn off the water while brushing teeth.
•Run only full loads in your dishwasher.
•Rinse produce in a basin rather than under running water.
•Keep water in the refrigerator to avoid running water from a faucet until it is cold.
•Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the size of your load.
•Check your toilets for leaks.
Outside your house
:
•Use a broom, not a hose, for cleaning patios, sidewalks and driveways.
•Cover your pool or spa to reduce evaporation.
•Use a mulching mower to slow evaporation from the soil's surface.
•Water your lawn and plants only when needed.
•Plant appropriately for your local climate.
•Use a spray nozzle with a shut-off valve on your hose.