Pennsylvania urges private drought contingency plans

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary David E. Hess said large industrial and commercial water users who have their own private water supply should develop drought contingency plans. Only public water suppliers must now submit drought contingency plans to DEP as a result of the recent drought emergency declaration by the governor. But officials feel it is prudent for private facilities to also make emergency preparations. "While we hope drought conditions do not get worse, we encourage large water users to be prepared,'' Hess said Tuesday. "DEP is helping by providing water users with a blueprint, accessible via the Internet, for developing drought contingency plans. "By taking time now to plan and implement ways to reduce water use, rather than putting it off, businesses can come up with creative solutions. Industrial and commercial water users also may find that they can reduce operating costs at the same time.'' Drought contingency plans should cover the ground and surface water sources used; a description of the processes using water at the facility; and a plan of action to reduce water use by 5, 15, 25, 35 and 50 percent. Contingency plan templates are available via at the state's website and can be reached by typing the keyword "drought." Separate templates also are available for public water suppliers and self-supplied industrial and commercial water users, officials said. Under Pennsylvania's new drought regulations, drought contingency plans for commercial and industrial water users of more than 100,000 gallons of water per day are only required to be prepared when requested by the Commonwealth Drought Coordinator.