As Pennsylvania faces some of its driest months in recent history, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has placed Schuylkill and Berks counties under a Drought Warning.
The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force has issued a Drought Watch for 34 additional counties, including Allegheny, Philadelphia, and Lehigh, as consistently low rainfall in recent months has pushed the state into a critical period of dryness.
Residents and businesses in Schuylkill County are strongly encouraged to voluntarily cut back on nonessential water use to conserve water resources. DEP notes that, while water restrictions are not yet mandatory, conserving water can help maintain reliable access to drinking water should conditions worsen. Public water suppliers may also request voluntary water conservation to preserve their supplies.
“Pennsylvania received very little rain over September and October, capping off a dry six months, particularly in the southeast part of the state,” said Acting DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “We want residents to be aware of these conditions and be mindful of their water use.” DEP bases drought declarations on long-term trends rather than short-term weather changes, so even a rainy week is unlikely to lift the current drought status.
Increased Risk of Wildfires
The dry conditions have not only affected water supply but have also significantly heightened the risk of wildfires across the state. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn emphasized that many parts of the Commonwealth are at high risk for fires. “It is critical that Pennsylvanians use extreme caution when handling fire or avoid any burning as these conditions persist,” said Dunn, urging residents to check DCNR’s Wildfire Danger Forecast Map and comply with local burn bans to protect the community and natural resources.
Human activity causes the vast majority of wildfires in Pennsylvania, often resulting from mishandled outdoor fires.
DCNR advises keeping combustibles at least 10 feet away from any fire and having tools like shovels and water on hand to fully extinguish any remaining embers.
Impact on Agriculture and Water Conservation
The prolonged drought is particularly challenging for Pennsylvania's agricultural sector. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding highlighted that “nearly 40 percent of the topsoil across the state is either short or very short in moisture content.” DEP encourages farmers to track operational losses due to drought conditions, access state conservation funding, and explore federal crop insurance options to help mitigate the economic impact.
Water conservation recommendations vary based on the stage of drought declaration. Under a Drought Warning, residents are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their water use by 10-15%. These efforts, though voluntary, are aimed at helping Pennsylvania manage its water resources as the state continues to assess conditions over the coming months.
DEP monitors drought status based on four indicators: precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels, and soil moisture. County drought declarations reflect changes in these indicators over extended periods, helping determine the stage of drought declaration — Drought Watch, Drought Warning, or Drought Emergency. In the event of a Drought Emergency, more restrictive measures would be enacted by the Governor.
Staying Informed
DEP and DCNR advise all Pennsylvanians to stay informed and conserve water whenever possible, especially in areas with elevated drought statuses. Information on the drought, water conservation tips, and fire safety guidelines are available on DEP and DCNR websites.