Drought Information

Drought Conservation Measures

• Keep an empty container near all sinks. Put it under the faucet while waiting for water to warm up. Pour any leftover water from cooking or drinking into it. Once full, use the water for gardening.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch water that is wasted while waiting for the shower to warm up.
• Take dirty water from birdbaths, flower vases or pet dishes and reuse on potted plants.
• Instead of using hot water to defrost foods, defrost foods in the refrigerator overnight or use a microwave.
• When it rains, leave buckets outside to collect water for washing cars and watering plants and gardens.
• If phosphate detergents or bleach are not used in the wash, rinse water from the washing machine can be used on the garden.
• Position downspouts, with extensions if needed, so rain water runs onto the lawn or into the garden, not down the walk or driveway.
• If a dehumidifier exists, use the water it collects to water plants and gardens.
• If a water softener exists, use the regenerated wastewater to water the lawn and plants.

*Information gained from a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection fact sheet.