A statewide drought watch remains in effect for Pennsylvania, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced today.

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

The decision to keep the drought watch in effect came after a meeting this week of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force.

Precipitation increased recently with streams flow rising, but longer term precipitation deficits persist in many areas. Groundwater levels remain low in some counties, including Lehigh and Lackawanna counties.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce their nonessential water use.

Ways to save water at home

• Run the dishwasher and washing machine less often, and only with full loads.

• Don’t let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Take shorter showers. For example, consider not washing your hair daily.

• Water your lawn only if necessary. Avoid watering on windy and hot days. Watering grass lightly and efficiently will encourage healthier, deeper grass roots. Over-watering is wasteful, encourages fungal growth and disease, and results in shallow, compacted root systems that are more susceptible to drought.

• When mowing your lawn, set the blades 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil, improving moisture retention.

• Water your garden less often. If necessary, water only in the cooler evening or morning hours, and direct the water to the ground at the base of the plant. Focus on new plantings, which have shallow root systems. Older plants may endure dry conditions longer.

• Skip the car washing. If you have to wash your car, it’s better environmentally to go to a drive-through car wash that recycles the water.

• Sweep your sidewalk, deck, or driveway, instead of hosing it off.

• Check for and repair household leaks. For example, a leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily.

• Set up a rain barrel to be ready to re-purpose rain when it does fall. For helpful information, see this Penn State Extension guide. Or just set out a bucket to capture water in the event of rain, and reuse it to water plants or the bird bath.

For a map of daily drought status and a weekly list of public water suppliers that are requesting or requiring water use reduction, see the department’s drought web page.