The City of Lock Haven has announced a Stage 2 drought watch. According to a release from the City Manager, Greg Wilson, “The lack of consistent rainfall has cut the water available for public supply from the city’s reservoirs. Based on current reservoir levels, the City must implement “Stage 2 Drought Conditions – Mandatory Non-Essential Use Restrictions” of our Drought Contingency Plan.”

This plan requires a mandatory 20% reduction for “all customers who receive their quarterly bills from the City of Lock Haven whether in the city, Allison, Castanea, or Wayne Townships,” the release states.

The release continues, “For the average home, that is 175 gallons per week less. Ways to reduce consumption can be found on the city’s website or by doing a search online, but the easiest way to save 100 gallons a week is to not run the water while brushing your teeth.”

According to the release, the following nonessential uses of water are now prohibited until the city announces the end of the drought:

— “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.

The largest industrial and commercial users who are the county’s major employers are also informed of the required reduction. Local law enforcement will be authorized to investigate reported violations of these prohibited uses, but the city is confident that we will work together as a region to reduce consumption and make the limited water we have on hand last until rain and snow refill the reservoirs.”