Borough of Hanover Under Drought Watch: Voluntary Water Conservation in Effect

Hanover, PA — Along with several surrounding counties, York County is currently assessed at “Drought Watch” level according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), while Adams County is assessed at “Drought Warning” level. Therefore, the Borough of Hanover is asking all water customers to voluntarily reduce water usage.

The Borough recommends the following measures to conserve water as published by the PA DEP:

• Check and repair any household leaks;
• Run the dishwasher and laundry washing machine less often and only with full loads;
• Purchase energy efficient appliances which may use 20% less water;
• Do not let water run when washing dishes by hand;
• Take shorter showers and replace old shower heads with low-flow models;
• Turn off water when shaving or brushing teeth;
• Water the garden in the cooler hours of the day;
• Only water the lawn if absolutely necessary;
• Skip the car wash;
• Set up a rain barrel and repurpose rainwater for garden watering; and
• Use a broom rather than a hose to clean decks, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces.

According to the PA DEP, drought declarations aren't based on just one indicator such as recent rainfall. Other indicators include stream flow, groundwater level, and soil moisture. There are four levels of drought assessment: Normal, Drought Watch, Drought Warning, and Drought Emergency, with the latter requiring formal approval by the Governor. Currently 34 counties in Pennsylvania are under Drought Watch, while 17 counties are under Drought Warning. According to the PA DEP, “Several areas of the Commonwealth—particularly in the south-central and eastern parts of the Commonwealth—continue to experience declining groundwater levels and persistent precipitation deficits,” and encourages residents to conserve water at all times, not just during drought situations.

Borough staff will continue to diligently monitor weather conditions and reservoir capacity and will provide water customers with updates as appropriate. Consumer cooperation regarding voluntary water conservation is greatly appreciated.

For more information contact the Department of Water Resources at 717-797-3017.  Helpful information is also available at: www.PA.gov/agencies/ready/hazards/drought. 

Borough of Hanover Vision
“We envision a thriving, welcoming community appealing to individuals, families and businesses where best-practices shape delivery of exceptional municipal services and citizen engagement. By providing efficient, high-quality services, we support a clean and safe environment, inclusive recreation, and a vibrant, drug-free downtown for all.”

The Borough of Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania, was incorporated in 1815. The Borough serves the public through stewardship, government, development and improvements of public assets including water/sewer/stormwater & refuse utilities, parks & recreation facilities, the Hanover Market House, the Guthrie Memorial Library, as well as Code Enforcement, Police & Fire Departments. It is governed by the Borough Council, overseen by the Borough Manager, and staffed by administrative, public service, public works, sewer, water, refuse and engineering professionals. Known as the Snack Food Capital of the World, Hanover is home, not only to numerous food industries, but also to manufacturing, extensive metal working enterprises, technology, commercial sales, and services. Hanover Borough offices, located at 33 Frederick Street, can be reached at 717-637-3877 or by email at Info@HanoverBoroughPA.gov. More information is available at www.HanoverBoroughPA.gov.