The Department of Environmental Protection has issued a drought watch declaration for 34 Pennsylvania counties, including Carbon, Schuylkill, Lehigh and Northampton; and a drought warning declaration for Potter County. Monroe County remains normal, DEP said.

The declaration comes after a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, where members evaluated recent data that indicate conditions for water supplies are continuing to deteriorate.The watches are in response to low stream flows, declining groundwater levels and below-normal precipitation primarily across counties in the upper half and south-central portions of Pennsylvania. These conditions have resulted in rainfall deficits of as much as 6 inches during the past 90 days."A number of public water systems have already instituted voluntary and mandatory water restrictions to preserve their drinking water supplies," DEP acting secretary Patrick McDonnell said. "We're asking residents and businesses to use water wisely and follow simple water conservation tips to ease the demand for water."A drought watch is the least severe of the three drought declarations.It calls for a voluntary 5 percent reduction in nonessential water use.During a drought warning, residents are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their water use between 10-15 percent in affected counties. A drought emergency calls for mandatory restrictions on nonessential water use to protect water supplies as well as public health and safety. A drought emergency requires a proclamation from the governor.Varying conditions under drought watch and warnings may dictate individual water suppliers or municipalities asking for more stringent conservation actions. DEP is notifying all water suppliers in the affected areas of the need to monitor their supplies and update their drought contingency plans as necessary.DEP is also looking at new and innovative ways to improve the management of the state's water resources."Historically, stormwater management consisted of getting runoff to streams as quickly as possible, and away from our cities and towns. Within the past decade, we have begun to see stormwater as a resource to recharge groundwater, and we continue to look for innovative ways to encourage these practices," McDonnell said.Reducing useDEP recommends the following ways to reduce water use:• Run water only when necessary. Avoid running the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving, or letting the shower run for several minutes before use;• Check for household leaks. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day.• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.• Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent less water and 40 to 50 percent less energy.• Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.DEP also offers other water conservation recommendations and water audit procedures for commercial and industrial users, such as food processors, hotels and educational institutions. These recommendations and additional drought monitoring information are available by clicking here or visiting DEP's website,

www.dep.pa.gov/drought.