CHESTER, PA – On June 15, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) declared a drought watch for the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. While not required, residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing their nonessential water use. Specifically, residents are asked to reduce their water usage by 5 to 10% through voluntary conservation efforts which equates to an average reduction of three (3) to six (6) gallons of water per day.

The Chester Water Authority (CWA) is encouraging its customers to undertake conservation efforts to save water during this drought watch. There are a number of simple ways to minimize water use and avoid wasting water. These include:

• Repair drips and leaks.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
• Don’t run the water while shaving or brushing teeth.
• Use a bucket of water when you wash the car and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
• Use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle when watering plants and shrubs.
• Water your lawn only when necessary and when mowing your lawn, set the blades to 2-3 inches high to improve moisture retention.
• Water your garden in the cooler evening or morning hours.
• Sweep your sidewalk, deck, or driveway instead of hosing it off.
• Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.
• Set up a rain barrel to be ready to repurpose rain when it does fall.

CWA encourages its customers to use water wisely, avoid wasting it and conserve whenever possible. Working together we can overcome these environmental challenges. Please do your part to conserve water during this time.

Additional information on the drought watch and conservation efforts can be found on the DEP’s website by clicking on the link below:
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/Drought/Pages/default.aspx