MILL HALL — Suburban Water Authority is reminding its customers the mandatory 20 percent reduction in water use is still in place while drought conditions remain.

The reduction was initially announced last week — after Lock Haven City Manager Gregory Wilson told city customers the second phase of these drought conditions had kicked into place for Ohl and Keller Reservoirs.

Suburban and the city both utilize the reservoirs for their water customers.

“The lack of consistent rainfall has cut the water available for public consumption from the reservoirs,” a letter sent to Suburban customers noted.

Moving into phase 2 means the authority’s customers must reduce water consumption by 20 percent.

“For the average home, that is 175 gallons per week less,” the letter stated.

Suburban offered tips on how to save water during these drought conditions including:

— Simply not running the water while brushing your teeth, which could save nearly 100 gallons a week.

— The use of hoses, sprinklers or other means for sprinkling or watering of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers or any other vegetation.

— The use of water for washing automobiles, trucks, trailers, trailer houses or any other type of mobile equipment.

— The washing of streets, driveways, parking lots, service station aprons, office buildings, exteriors of homes, sidewalks, apartments or other outdoor surfaces.

— The operation of any ornamental fountain or other similar structure.

— The use of water from fire hydrants for construction purposes or fire drills.

— The use of water to flush a sewer line or sewer manhole.

— The use of water for commercial farms and nurseries other than a bare minimum to preserve plants, crops and livestock.

Much like in the city’s announcement, Suburban Water’s letter noted local law enforcement are authorized to investigate reported violations of the required reduction.

“Suburban Water Authority is confident that we will work together as a community to reduce consumption and make the limited water we have on hand last until rain and snow refill the reservoirs,” the letter stated.

For more tips on how to conserve water during the stage 2 drought, you can visit Suburban Water’s website, www.suburbanwaterpa.com.