Photo courtesy of GetArchive. A corn filed sits in the middle of a drought.
Victor M. Fallas III
Staff Writer
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has declared a drought watch for Lancaster County and 34 other counties due to a prolonged period of low rainfall. This advisory calls on residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 5-10% to help maintain local water supplies.
The drought immediately had a noticeable effect on Lancaster’s agriculture. Farmers report that insufficient rainfall has stressed crops, reducing their yield potential and creating concerns for local produce availability. As of the latest DEP reports, nearly 40% of Pennsylvania’s topsoil is now categorized as low in moisture. Many local farmers are turning to irrigation, but this solution is costly and can be unsustainable if water sources continue to dwindle. The DEP has expressed concern that if soil moisture doesn’t improve, the drought may lead to more significant impacts on the food supply chain and ultimately affect food prices in the region.
Suggested measures include limiting non-essential activities such as lawn watering, pool filling, and at-home car washing. Smaller changes in daily routines, like fixing leaky faucets, using water-efficient fixtures, and reducing shower time, can also help conserve water across the community. Even minor conservation efforts, when multiplied across a large population, can help stabilize water levels in the area. Commercial and industrial sectors are encouraged to identify areas where they can reduce water use. These voluntary conservation steps are aimed at preventing the need for stricter water usage regulations later on.
The drought conditions are significantly increasing the risk of wildfires. Neighboring counties such as York and Lebanon have already instituted burn bans, and Lancaster officials are advising residents to avoid open fires. A small spark could easily ignite a larger fire under current conditions. Officials are urging the public to take extreme care when engaging in any activities that involve flames.
Meteorologists predict continued dry conditions across southeastern Pennsylvania in the coming months, which has prompted the DEP to closely monitor local water levels. While Lancaster is not yet under mandatory water restrictions, the DEP has warned that stricter measures could be imposed if voluntary conservation does not achieve sufficient water savings. Potential restrictions could include limiting outdoor water use, regulating certain non-essential activities, and placing additional requirements on some business operations.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest drought conditions through local news outlets and DEP announcements. The proactive conservation approach will allow the community to adapt if drought conditions persist or worsen. By making small changes in their daily habits, Lancaster County residents can help preserve local water supplies and lessen the need for more severe measures.
As the winter season approaches, proactive conservation is critical. For more information, Please visit dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/Drought/pages/default.aspx.