7,400 asked to conserve water

Pennsylvania American Water Co. is appealing to its customers to conserve water because of a low water level at its reservoir.

Daniel Hufton, senior director of production, said the company is asking its 7,400 customers to voluntarily reduce consumption by 5 percent to 10 percent.

"Decreasing water levels at the Two Lick Creek Reservoir have made it necessary to request that our customers voluntarily reduce their water usage," said Hufton.

The Two Lick Creek Reservoir is in White Township, Indiana County.

Pennsylvania Water customers in Indiana Borough, White and Armstrong townships are affected.

"While the region had above-average precipitation in the beginning of this year, rainfall in Indiana County during the last 60 days has been well below normal, he said.

The conservation notice was issued as part of the Two Lick Creek/Yellow Creek Watershed Drought Management Plan, which has been approved by the state Department of Environmental Protection and includes a variety of measures to reduce peak demands and to extend water supplies.

Hufton said that if customers adopt voluntary conservation measures, it should postpone the need for a mandatory notice and additional restrictions.

The company urges customers to conserve water by installing water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators; shortening showers by 7 to 10 minutes; turning off water while brushing teeth, running only full loads in dishwashers and adjusting water levels of washing machines to match load sizes.

Outside the home, the company recommends using a broom, not a hose, for cleaning patios, sidewalks and driveways; watering lawns and plants only when needed and using outdoor water hoses with spray nozzles.