Even with a few chances for rain in the forecast, Carbon, Schuylkill and Monroe counties remain in a drought watch, the state Department of Environmental Protection reported Tuesday.

A total of 27 counties across the state are on the watch list, which was first issued in March."We are still recovering from a very dry fall and below-normal precipitation this winter," acting DEP Secretary John Quigley said. "These factors have contributed to low groundwater and surface water levels, mostly in the northeast and central portions of the state."The lack of groundwater recharge can cause well-fed water supplies, both private and public, to go dry. Because of this DEP is advising residents to heed this drought watch by conserving water use and consumption whenever possible.According to DEP's Bureau of Safe Drinking Water drought report released May 19, the most recent report available, the 90-day precipitation deficits in the south-central and eastern portions of the state ranged from 1.9 to 5.4 inches.Paul Walker, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, reported that precipitation totals around the region follow DEP's deficit report. The totals collected between March 1 to the present all show below normal precipitation levels.In Mount Pocono, a total of 5.78 inches was recorded during that time period. Normal precipitation is usually 11.41 inches.In Allentown, 6.33 inches fell, 4 inches less than the normal precipitation of 10.37 inches during that time period.Mark Nalesnik, Carbon County Emergency Management Agency coordinator, said he monitors DEP's drought information closely and waits for directives from the state.As of today, nothing significant has been affected by the lower precipitation, Nalesnik said.If extended drought conditions continue, Nalesnik said the first problems he usually encounters are homeowners seeing their wells drying up. No issues have been reported so far.However, he urges all residents to conserve water whenever possible. Don't burn outside because if a brush fire starts, it could negatively affect the water supplies, Nalesnik said."We want to make sure to conserve water so water supplies aren't compromised (if the drought situation increases as the summer months begin)," Nalesnik said. "This is not an urgent situation yet, but conserving water now will help in case it changes to a drought warning."He added that he will be monitoring the situation and touch base with municipalities to see if any water-related issues arise.DEP has notified all water suppliers in the affected areas of the need to monitor their supplies, particularly those that rely upon groundwater, and update their drought contingency plans as necessary.A drought watch declaration is the first and least-severe level of the state's three drought classifications. It calls for a voluntary 5 percent reduction in non-essential water use. DEP will also increase its monitoring activities from monthly to weekly in the affected areas and begin monitoring the status of public water suppliers.According to AccuWeather.com, this afternoon and tonight offer the best chances for some rain over the next few days, with strong thunderstorms possible.The Associated Press contributed to this story.