Pennsylvania American Water Encourages Customers to Practice Wise Water Use as Hotter, Drier Conditions Raise Drought Concerns Across Commonwealth

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --?As communities across?Pennsylvania?prepare for a summer expected to bring above-normal temperatures and drier-than-average conditions,?Pennsylvania?American Water?encourages customers to take simple steps to use water more efficiently and help protect local water supplies.

Drought conditions across the U.S. have expanded significantly in recent months, reaching the highest percentage of national drought coverage in?nearly four?years. According to the?U.S. Drought Monitor,?approximately 30% of Pennsylvania?is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's drought information website currently lists 15 counties under drought watch status and four under drought warning. As a result, Pennsylvania American Water is?highlighting the importance of?wise?water use?across local communities. Combined with forecasts calling for hotter-than-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall across many regions this summer, these conditions are expected to increase pressure on water?resources and seasonal water demand.

"At?Pennsylvania?American Water,?wise water use?is more than a seasonal concern, it's an everyday commitment," said?Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner. "As temperatures?rise and water demands increase during the summer months, simple actions taken at home and outdoors can make a meaningful difference in?helping protect local water resources.?Reduced usage can also result in lower water bills as well."

Pennsylvania?American Water encourages customers to practice?wise?water use habits throughout the summer. From adjusting your watering schedule to fixing household leaks, every drop counts. Here are some helpful outdoor tips:?

• Water early in the morning or later in the day and even at night to minimize evaporation. As much as 30 percent of?water can be lost by watering during midday.?
• Make use of rainwater by collecting it in rain barrels for use on outdoor plants and gardens.?
• Check sprinkler heads to help ensure water isn't being wasted on pavement or unwanted areas.?
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios,?driveways?and sidewalks.?
• Mulch garden beds to?retain?moisture and prevent weeds. A two- to three-inch layer is typically effective.?
• Set your mower?blades?higher. Grass cut to 2.5 to 3.5 inches is more drought-resistant and healthier overall.?
• Check for leaks. Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each year.?Ten?percent of homes have?leaks?that?can?waste 90 gallons or more per day.?

Pennsylvania American Water customers can?monitor?water usage through?MyWater, the company's customer self-service portal?which provides up to two years of usage data. MyWater also?contains?information about budget billing, customer assistance programs and more.

For more?tips and resources, visit?Pennsylvania?American Water's?Wise Water Use?page.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

AboutPennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 1,200 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pennsylvania-american-water-encourages-customers-to-practice-wise-water-use-as-hotter-drier-conditions-raise-drought-concerns-across-commonwealth-302814599.html

SOURCE American Water