DEP: Drought Conditions Worsen In Eastern PA, Return To Normal In Northwest PA

On January 13, the Department of Environmental Protection announced on social media that drought conditions in Pennsylvania worsened in the eastern part of the state, but returned to normal in the Northwest.

Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, and Warren counties returned to normal conditions.

Berks, Bedford, Chester, Cumberland, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Mifflin, and Snyder counties were placed in Drought Watch. 40 counties are now in Drought Watch. 

Fulton County was elevated to Drought Warning status.

These changes were made as a result of a January 8, 2026 meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force.

Recommended Actions

Here's a quick summary of water use recommendations at each drought classification:

-- Drought Watch – a Drought Watch is typically declared for a county with three of the four factors in a “watch” status. Residents are encouraged, but not required, to voluntarily reduce their water use by five to ten percent. 

-- Drought Warning – a Drought Warning is typically declared for a county with 3 of the four indicators in “warning” status. Residents are encouraged, but not required, to reduce their water use by 10-15 percent. 

-- Drought Emergency – if conditions become more severe a Drought Emergency can be declared by the Governor and emergency water restrictions can be implemented. In the unlikely event of a drought emergency, water suppliers and/or municipal governments will guide residents about water use and conservation. 

Mandatory Water System Restrictions

Click Here for a list of drinking water systems with voluntary and mandatory water use restrictions.

For more information, visit DEP's Drought Information webpage.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Action Needed Now! Western PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation Urging Pennsylvanians To Contact PA US Senators And Oppose Raid On Abandoned Mine Reclamation Funds [And Abandoned Oil & Gas Well Plugging Funding]   [PaEN] 

-- Master Watershed Steward Eve Puhalla's Passion For Environment Leads To Public Park Cleanup In Montgomery County  [PaEN] 

-- DCNR Invests Nearly $82 Million In 295 Local Recreation, Conservation Projects And Initiatives in 58 Counties To Expand Trails, Parks, Public Lands; Next Grant Round Now Open  [PaEN] 

NewsClips:

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-- EPA Proposes Revised Section 401 Water Quality Certification Rule To Streamline Permitting, Unleash Economic Growth, Protect America’s Waterways

 [Posted: January 13, 2026]  PA Environment Digest