The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection said it is continuing a statewide drought watch.

The announcement came after a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force this week.

While not required, residents and non-farm businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing nonessential water use.

At this time, 18 public water suppliers are asking for voluntary water conservation in their communities. Drought watch declarations are not based on one indicator alone, such as precipitation. DEP assesses information provided by public water suppliers and data on four hydrologic indicators: precipitation, surface water (stream and river) flow, groundwater level, and soil moisture.

“While the recent rainfall has been welcome, there are still persistent precipitation deficits statewide,” DEP said. “Persistent rain will be needed for more consistent meaningful improvement to groundwater levels,”

DEP monitors the indicators in close partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, which maintains gages in streams and wells in locations across Pennsylvania.

The latest forecast shows 1 to 2 inches of rain on Sunday, with flooding possible.