A drought watch is in effect for Chester County according to a press release from the Chester County Water Resources Authority.
The watch was declared on August 8. Since May 20, Chester County has only received 4.6 inches of rainfall, less than half the normal amount for that time period.
16 of the 18 groundwater wells monitored in the county are below normal levels and four are below drought watch levels.
Stream flows across the county are also below normal. Since July 15, water supply reservoirs have made water supply releases to streams to support the public water supply in the greater Coatesville, Downingtown and West Chester area.
While there are no mandatory water use restrictions in place, Chester County residents are still advised to reduce non-essential water use by five percent.
County agencies are monitoring the situation.
You can find more information on the drought watch here.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow NBC10 Earthwatch on Facebook. Sign up for our weather newsletter. And, get weather forecasts delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIWEATHER to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
