DEP Lifts Drought Declarations for 40 Counties

Based on Pennsylvania Drought Task Force recommendations, the Department of Environmental Protection Friday lifted drought watch declarations for 40 counties, including Bucks and Montgomery.

“Recent rainfall, particularly in the last week, has returned stream flows, groundwater levels and soil moisture levels to normal in the eastern and several southern portions of the state,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said.

That rain, particularly from Hurricane Irene, made August the rainiest month in the area’s history following a very dry May, June and July.

According to a release, drought watches and warnings were issued Aug. 5 because of below-normal rainfall that resulted in low stream-flow conditions, decreased groundwater levels and precipitation deficits of up to four inches. The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force used reports and forecasts from the National Weather Service in conjunction with DEP’s drought monitoring program to form the recommendation.

A drought watch declaration calls for a voluntary five-percent reduction in non-essential water use. A drought warning asks residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 10-15 percent. A drought emergency is declared through proclamation by the governor, bans non-essential use and requires public water suppliers to implement contingency plans.

Water conservation tips and drought information can be found online at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: drought.