DEP Lifts Drought Watch

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection ended the "drought watch" for western and central Pennsylvania today, after above-average precipitation in December reversed an autumn dry spell. The drought watch was put in place November 7 after some regions experienced rainfall as much as 8 inches below the average levels. DEP spokesman Tom Rathbun says the drought watch is the least serious of three drought classifications and asks only for a voluntary 5% reduction in water use. However, it still serves as a reminder for businesses and local government to moniter water use closely, should dry weather continue. In the rare case of a drought emergency, people are required to cease unnecessary water use such as washing cars, watering lawns and running fountains.