Welcome to Lower Saucon Authority

On January 13, the Department of Environmental Protection announced on social media that drought conditions in Pennsylvania worsened in the eastern part of the state, but returned to normal in the Northwest.

Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, and Warren counties returned to normal conditions.

Berks, Bedford, Chester, Cumberland, Huntingdon, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Mifflin, and Snyder counties were placed in Drought Watch. 40 counties are now in Drought Watch.

Fulton County was elevated to Drought Warning status.

These changes were made as a result of a January 8, 2026 meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force.

Recommended Actions

Here’s a quick summary of water use recommendations at each drought classification:

— Drought Watch – a Drought Watch is typically declared for a county with three of the four factors in a “watch” status. Residents are encouraged, but not required, to voluntarily reduce their water use by five to ten percent.

— Drought Warning – a Drought Warning is typically declared for a county with 3 of the four indicators in “warning” status. Residents are encouraged, but not required, to reduce their water use by 10-15 percent.

— Drought Emergency – if conditions become more severe a Drought Emergency can be declared by the Governor and emergency water restrictions can be implemented. In the unlikely event of a drought emergency, water suppliers and/or municipal governments will guide residents about water use and conservation.

For more information, visit DEP’s Drought Information webpage.