Drought watch for Chester, Delaware counties

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on September 10, 2016

Low water levels in area waterways, such as the Brandywine Creek, are responsible for the drought watch issued for Chester and Delaware counties.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has placed Chester and Delaware counties, under a drought, according to the Chester County Water Resources Authority.

The DEP issued a drought watch declaration this week for four Pennsylvania counties – Chester, Cumberland, Delaware and Philadelphia – due to low stream flows, declining groundwater levels, and lack of precipitation. This week’s declaration brings the number of Pennsylvania 67 counties under drought watch to 38, a Chester County press release said.

Under a drought watch, citizens are asked to voluntarily reduce non-essential water use by five percent. No mandatory water use restrictions are in place. The DEP recommends the following ways to reduce water use:

Run water only when necessary. Avoid running the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving, or letting the shower run for several minutes before use.
Check for household leaks. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day.
Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40 to 50 percent less energy.
Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.

Information on drought watch and data on Chester County water levels can be found at www.chesco.org/water.