ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Lehigh County Authority officials on Friday declared a drought watch, urging residents in its service area to voluntarily reduce their water use by at least 5%.
“We are not facing an immediate water shortage, but current conditions call for early, thoughtful action,” said Liesel Gross, CEO of the nonprofit water and wastewater utility, in a news release.
“A small reduction of just 5% across our system can make a meaningful difference in preserving supply, maintaining system pressure and ensuring reliable service [to] all customers.”
After a drier-than-average summer in the Lehigh Valley, the region in early September saw record rainfall — with up to 3 inches falling in some areas — followed by a second round of widespread showers and storms.
But, the region is still below average for precipitation.
Data from the Northeast Regional Climate Center’s Climate Perspectives tool shows the past three months in the Lehigh Valley are its ninth driest on record, with a deficit of 6.52 inches of precipitation.
The state Department of Environmental Protection, which declares drought watches, warnings and emergencies by county throughout the state, categorizes both Lehigh and Northampton counties as “normal.”
However, the U.S. Drought Monitor lists the majority of both counties as in “moderate drought.”
While the DEP is zeroed-in on commonwealth-specific conditions, the U.S. Drought Monitor considers the entire U.S. and uses broad-scale conditions.
‘A proactive, precautionary measure’
Ongoing rain deficits have slowed the natural recharge of groundwater aquifers and reduced stream flow in several local watersheds, officials said in the release.
They described the measure as “a proactive, precautionary measure designed to slow demand and protect long-term water availability if dry conditions continue into the winter and early spring.”
Still, LCA’s water system remains safe and reliable, officials said.
The LCA offered tips for residents to reduce water use, including:
- Limiting lawn watering and irrigation as plants enter dormancy;
- Fixing dripping faucets, running toilets and sprinkler leaks;
- Shutting of the water supply to outside spigots if no longer in use;
- Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads;
- Taking shorter showers and turning off the tap while brushing teeth;
- Using a commercial car wash that recycles water, instead of washing at home;
“Outdoor water use remains a significant driver of overall demand in many areas, even late in the season, and small habit changes can produce meaningful system-wide savings."Lehigh County Authority
“Outdoor water use remains a significant driver of overall demand in many areas, even late in the season, and small habit changes can produce meaningful system-wide savings,” officials said.
In addition to Allentown, LCA’s service area includes Emmaus, Macungie, Alburtis, Coplay, Upper and Lower Macungie townships, as well as North and South Whitehall, Salisbury, Whitehall, Upper Milford, Hanover, Weisenberg and Lowhill townships.
For more information, go to LCA’s website, which has a dedicated “Water Supply Update” page.
