The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has declared a statewide drought watch and is encouraging voluntary water conservation.
As a result, Cranberry Township will suspend the annual water distribution system flushing program until further notice.
The Township will enact its Drought Emergency Plan which requests that all customers eliminate the unnecessary use of water. Commercial and industrial customers are asked to reduce water usage as far as possible without affecting their employment level. Industries are asked to prepare contingency plans for actions to be taken in the eventuality that continued severe drought conditions require further reduction in water use.
Unnecessary water usage includes:
- for irrigation and watering of lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs, or other plants, except by hand-held hose or container
- for washing paved surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, and patios with exception for prewashing in preparation of asphalt street or driveway recoating and sealing
- for watering any portion of golf courses, except for tees and greens, between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.
- for ornamental purposes, including fountains, artificial waterfalls, and reflecting pools
- for non-commercial washing or cleaning of automobiles, other motor vehicles, trailers and boats
- for refilling and topping off swimming pools
- for refilling air conditioning cooling towers after draining
- for flushing sewers, except as deemed necessary in the interest of public health and safety
- for any purpose other than firefighting, including drills or practice by fire departments
In addition to suspending the flushing program, the Township will increase leak detection efforts, and shut down operating blow-offs and ornamental fountains.