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Every Drop Counts!
Water is one of our most important natural resources. We use it everyday at home and at work in so many ways that we take it for granted. However, water is no longer the "sure thing" it was in the past. This special insert is about water conservation and what we can do to reduce our water use. The information contained in the insert is provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection and the State College Borough Water Authority.

In 1900, the six million people living in Pennsylvania used about 5 gallons of water each day. Today, our population has doubled to twelve million people and our water consumption has increased to an average of 62 gallons per day.

Part of this 900 percent increase in water use is due to the many water-using conveniences in our homes, such as automatic dishwashers, clothes washers, garbage disposals and home water treatment systems.

Our water resources are not unlimited. They are affected by precipitation, population growth, economic development and pollution. In the past we tried to solve our supply problems by constructing storage facilities and developing new resources such as wells and reservoirs. However, these measures can be both economically and environmentally costly. A more cost-effective way to protect our water resources is through sound water resources management and conservation.

Be aware of how much water you use! Awareness is the first step in conservation. In most of the Centre Region, we are very fortunate to have plentiful water supplies. But they are not endless. Our water use already lessens stream flows and impacts many shallow wells. As our region grows, this impact will be more severe.

Please take the time to read this entire insert, look for common sense ways to conserve your water usage and remember that every drop counts!

Drought Phases
Pennsylvania has developed three drought phases which impact individual water use during a drought. The phases are based on five parameters: precipitation deficits; groundwater levels; streamflows; soil moisture; and reservoir levels.

Drought Watch: Asks for voluntarily reduction of non-essential water use by 5%. Drought Warning: Asks for voluntarily reduction of non-essential water use by 10%.
Drought Emergency: Imposes mandatory restrictions on water use. The Governor must declare a Drought Emergency

Mandatory Water Use Restrictions

• Watering lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs and outdoor plants.
  

• Watering golf courses.
  

• Washing paved surfaces such as streets, sidewalks, driveways, garages, patios, parking areas and tennis courts.
  

• Operating water fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools.
  

• Washing vehicles.
  

• Serving water in eating places unless specifically requested by the individual.
  

• Filling and topping off swimming pools.