Drought watch continues for Pike

MILFORD — The lack of rain is the main culprit for drought conditions in Pike and 27 other counties in the state, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Groundwater and surface water levels remain low, says the DEP.

“We are still recovering from a very dry fall and below-normal precipitation this winter,” Acting DEP Secretary John Quigley said. “These factors have contributed to low groundwater and surface water levels mostly in the northeast and central portions of the state.”

The lack of groundwater recharge can cause well-fed water supplies, both private and public, to go dry. All Pennsylvanians are urged to conserve their water use and consumption (see tips).

A drought watch declaration is the first and least-severe level of the state’s three drought classifications. It calls for a voluntary 5 percent reduction in non-essential water use.

Through a cooperative program with the U.S. Geological Survey, DEP helps fund a statewide network of gauges to monitor groundwater levels and stream flows. DEP also offers water conservation recommendations and water audit procedures for commercial and industrial users, such as food processors, hotels and educational institutions.

In addition to Pike, the counties under the drought watch are Berks, Bradford, Cambria, Carbon, Clinton, Columbia, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, Westmoreland, and Wyoming.

Related story: "Drought watch comes early": http://bit.ly/1FgQUAV.