Pennsylvania American Water Ends Statewide Drought Watches, Encourages Ongoing Conservation Efforts.

Pennsylvania American Water has announced the lifting of statewide drought watches in Pennsylvania, allowing customers to resume regular water use. However, the company is encouraging continued water conservation efforts. As the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the US, American Water serves over 14 million people and remains committed to promoting water efficiency.

July 02, 2025 - Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), announced today that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has lifted the drought watch for eight remaining counties. These counties include Berks, Chester, Cumberland, Delaware, Franklin, Lehigh, Philadelphia, and Washington. As a result, the entire state is now considered to be in normal condition regarding drought, allowing customers to resume regular nonessential water use.

The drought conditions in late 2024 were significant and in some areas were the driest on record since 2002, according to DEP’s drought information webpage [1]. Before the July 2 lift, Pennsylvania American Water customers in the affected counties were asked to voluntarily reduce their nonessential water use by 10-15% (approximately 11-16 gallons per day) under DEP’s guidance.

Brandy Braun, the company’s director of water quality and environmental compliance, stated, “While our customers may now resume regular water usage, we continue to remind them – and the greater Pennsylvania community – of the importance of ongoing water conservation efforts.” Pennsylvania American Water provides multiple water conservation resources in the Wise Water Use section of their website and is a member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency. They also periodically share water conservation tips and reminders with customers through various channels.

American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serves more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. With a history dating back to 1886, the company is committed to promoting water efficiency and providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/AWK/pennsylvania-american-water-shares-that-statewide-drought-watches-nxxpoqo0gjrn.html