Current Drought Status

Drought status 2

The Borough of Doylestown Water Department has declared a Stage II Drought Warning which mandates mandatory restrictions on all non-essential water usage. This restriction will officially go into effect on November 14th, 2024, at 12:00pm and will remain in active until further notice. Our area is facing an unprecedented duration of drought conditions and because of this significant lack of precipitation, the groundwater levels that feed our distribution system continue to decline. It is imperative that all customers do their best to meet the requirements of these restrictions. DBWD realizes the significance of these restrictions and deeply appreciates everyone’s cooperation.

Mandatory Restrictions include:

  • The use of hoses, sprinklers, or other means for sprinkling or watering of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, 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. Commercial car washes using recycled water are not currently affected.
  • 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 structures making a similar use of water.
  • The use of water for filling swimming or wading pools.
  • The use of water from fire hydrants for construction purposes or fire drills.
  • The use of water to flush a sewer line or sewer manholes.

Voluntary restrictions include:

  • Restaurants, bars, and dining establishments should refrain from serving tap water unless specifically asked for.
  • 20% reduction on all residential household water usage. Individual actions may seem insignificant, but in reality, have the most impact compared to all other restrictions.
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FAQ

  • What is a drought?
  • A Drought is an extended period of below average rainfall or dry conditions that leads to a water shortage. Droughts can have serious impacts on health, agriculture, economies, energy, and the environment.
  • Specifically, how is the Doylestown Borough Water System being affected by the Drought?

The Boroughs water system is feed off a series of 5 groundwater wells. As the drought conditions have progressed, we have noticed our Well levels continue to decline, are having a long rate of recovery when not pumping water and are pumping less water than normal. The Borough has an emergency interconnection with Doylestown Township, which can be used to bring in extra water when needed. However, since DTMA and all our neighboring public water suppliers are seeing their own systems become stressed, this is not a long-term solution for us.

  • What steps has the water department taken to conserve water?
  • Operationally, the Water Department has skipped its yearly system wide flushing program, completed preventive maintenance to critical parts of the distribution system, and continues to do active leak detection. Strategically, we have coordinated our emergency response plans with the fire department and DTMA to ensure everyone is cooperating properly. In addition, we announced our voluntary water conservation measures on October 24, which have had some positive effect.
  • Will the Drought Status be moved to a Stage III- Drought Emergency?

The Borough Water Department is monitoring this situation very closely and has been in constant communication with other neighboring public water suppliers. Should the need to move to a Stage III drought emergency be deemed necessary, the water department will make that recommendation to the Borough council as required.

  • Are there penalties if I choose not to follow the mandatory restrictions?

Yes, after an initial warning, a repeat offender may be fine up to $300 and/or have their service disconnected.

  • Are there additional resources I can use to learn more about droughts?

Yes, the Environmental Protection Agency & Pennsylvania DEP offer abundant resources to learn about droughts and water conservation.

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving

https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/Drought/pages/default.aspx