Worries about a potential drought in Pennsylvania are over for now.

The state's Department of Environmental Protection lifted its drought watch for 37 counties on Friday, according to DEP Secretary John Quigley.A decision was made based on a recommendation from the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force."We have seen an increase in rainfall in many parts of the state that has restored groundwater levels and streamflow," Quigley said."While conditions have improved, I would encourage all Pennsylvanians to continue to consider their water use and conserve whenever possible."Carbon, Monroe and Schuylkill counties were all included in the initial drought watch issued March 24. Lehigh and Northampton counties were added on June 17.The drought watch was declared because of below-average precipitation in the fall, winter and spring months which led to lower than normal groundwater levels.However, precipitation during the month of June was above average and a review of county monitoring gauges shows that the 30-day average stream flows and groundwater levels have risen to normal or above normal conditions across the state.According to the National Weather Service, Lehighton received just over 9 inches of rain in June and 5.15 inches so far in July.The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force uses reports and forecasts from the National Weather Service and U.S. Geological Survey, as well as analysis from DEP's drought monitoring program, to make its recommendations on issuing and lifting declarations.The task force, led by DEP, will continue to monitor conditions across the state.