Berks County and seven other Pennsylvania counties have officially returned to normal status following the lifting of drought watch declarations, according to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The announcement came after the July 2 meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, which determined that Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Delaware, Franklin, Lehigh, Philadelphia, and Washington counties no longer meet the criteria for a drought watch. All counties in the Commonwealth are now considered to be in normal status.
Drought declarations in Pennsylvania are not based on a single factor. DEP evaluates a combination of four key indicators—stream flow, groundwater levels, precipitation, and soil moisture—over a 3- to 12-month period to assess drought status. Additional input from public water suppliers is also considered.
While the statewide return to normal is a positive development, DEP cautions that some areas may continue to experience a slow recovery, especially given the severity of drought conditions in late 2024, which were among the driest since 2002 in some regions.
“Even with conditions improving, we encourage residents to continue using water wisely,” DEP officials said. “Localized dry spots may still exist, and your local water supplier may request continued conservation efforts.”
To support water conservation, DEP shared several tips for households: Skip the car wash. Run dishwashers and washing machines less often. Water gardens during the cooler morning or evening hours. Water lawns only when necessary. Check for and fix household leaks. Set up a rain barrel to collect and reuse rainwater
Residents are advised to stay informed through their local water provider and to check current conservation measures posted at dep.pa.gov/drought.