New Hope Borough Recommending Water Conservation Measures

Press release from the New Hope Borough:

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — The region has not had a significant rainfall in quite some time, which has led to drought-like groundwater conditions that are lowering the water table in residential wells and the local aquifer.

While the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has not yet issued any drought watches or warnings, neighboring states have, and the local office of the National Weather Service advises that our region is in “Moderate Drought.”

Here are some tips for water conservation:

• Fix leaky faucets, toilets, and hoses.
• Sweep driveway, steps, sidewalk instead of hosing off.
• Properly maintaining septic systems and private wells.
• •Always turn off water when not using (examples: in between dishes while washing by hand, when brushing teeth, when shaving).
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when loads are full.
• Take shorter, cooler-temperature showers (aim for 5 minutes).
• Wash laundry in cold water.
• If you like drinking cold water, keep a pitcher in the fridge rather than running until the tap is cold.
• Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator or sitting in water, do not run fresh water over it.
• Wash the car with a bucket or use a professional car wash. Wash your car on the lawn rather than the driveway.
• Replace appliances with water efficient, WaterSense labeled products. Toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and shower heads can all be efficient.
• If you have a pool or hot tub, keep it covered when not in use to prevent evaporation.
• Scatter leftover ice on your lawn.
• Take steps to reduce energy consumption – water is used at many points in the process of producing electricity.

This press release was produced by the New Hope Borough. The views expressed here are the author’s own.