Current drought conditions according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection .
Screenshot from DEP website
Current drought conditions according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection .
Screenshot from DEP website
Pennsylvania is under a statewide drought watch.
The state finally got some rain in the last week, but the Department of Environmental Protection say it’s not enough to make up for low precipitation last winter and spring.
“We’re seeing lowered stream flows, dropping groundwater levels, and persistent precipitation deficits,” said DEP Acting Secretary Rich Negrin. “Water conservation, always a good practice, is especially helpful now as it’ll lessen potential future impacts on water supplies if rainfall continues to be scant this summer.”
DEP says 18 public water suppliers are asking for voluntary water conservation in their communities.
During a drought watch, the focus is on increased monitoring, awareness and preparation in case conditions get worse. People are asked to curb their nonessential water use by 5-10% in this stage.
DEP recommends these action to conserve water:
People can find updates on conditions at DEP’s drought web page.
The dry conditions are contributing to increased brush fires in the state.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says this year’s wildfires have burned more than 8,500 acres, compared to 2,700 acres last year.
“We’ve had an unprecedented year for wildfires in the Commonwealth, and we encourage all Pennsylvanians to act responsibly to prevent wildfires as dry conditions persist,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
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