The hot and dry conditions of the summer of 2011 have moved State officials to take action. The Pennsylvania Department Of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch for 40 Pennsylvania counties, including Montgomery county and a drought warning for four other counties. DEP Spokeswoman, Jamie Legenos says four factors are investigated for a Drought declaration.

“Precipitation, stream flow, surface water and soil moisture.”

Drought warnings and drought watches are voluntary. The DEP Asks residents in the 40 counties under a drought watch to reduce water use by 5-percent. Residents in the four Counties under a drought warning are asked to voluntarily reduce water use between 10 and 15 percent.