The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has escalated Berks and Schuylkill counties to a “Drought Warning” status as dry weather continues to grip the state. With limited rainfall over the past several months, state officials are encouraging residents and businesses in Berks County to take steps to reduce water usage.
Berks County is one of two counties now under a Drought Warning, a step above the Drought Watch status currently in place for 30 other counties, including neighboring Lancaster and Chester counties. Under this Drought Warning, Berks County residents are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use by 10-15%, though no mandatory restrictions have been put in place.
“Pennsylvania received very little rain over September and October, capping off a dry six months, particularly in the southeast part of the state. DEP makes drought declarations based on long-term trends; a rainy week may not lift the drought status for an area,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “We want residents to be aware of these conditions and be mindful of their water use.”
The dry conditions have not only affected water levels but have also increased the risk of wildfires. According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), 99% of wildfires in Pennsylvania are caused by human activity, a risk exacerbated by the current drought.
“Much of the Commonwealth is at a high risk for fire danger as a result of dry conditions, and it is critical that Pennsylvanians use extreme caution when handling fire or avoid any burning as these conditions persist,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. The DCNR is urging residents to consult its Wildfire Danger Forecast Map for up-to-date information on local fire risks.
Farmers in Berks County are also feeling the impact, as drought conditions affect soil moisture essential for crop growth. “Water is essential for growing food. Voluntary restrictions do not apply to farms and other businesses that rely on it to produce food,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. He emphasized the importance of federal crop insurance and state conservation funding to help farmers manage these increasingly volatile weather conditions. “Planning cannot change the weather, but it can help farm businesses manage the risks that come with it,” he added.
Drought declarations in Pennsylvania are determined by four key indicators: precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, and soil moisture. According to the DEP, a county is placed under a Drought Watch if three of the four indicators are in “watch” status, while a Drought Warning is issued when the conditions worsen. The final stage, a Drought Emergency, would require action from the governor and could involve mandatory restrictions.
For now, public water suppliers in Berks County may implement their own voluntary conservation measures, although statewide DEP officials have assured that mandatory restrictions would only come with a Drought Emergency. As conditions continue to be monitored, residents are encouraged to take individual steps to conserve water, such as cutting down on non-essential water use, which can help sustain water resources for the months ahead.
More information on the drought conditions and conservation tips is available on the DEP website.