Chester County officials are encouraging residents, business owners and farmers to reduce water usage amid a continued drought warning. On June 4, 2026, the county sent out a release asking water consumers to voluntarily reduce their daily water usage by 10 to 15%, or roughly six to nine gallons per person. For reference, the average shower uses about two gallons of water per minute, while washing dishes by hand can use up to 27 gallons, officials said. The request to save water comes as abnormally dry conditions have persisted in the area, prompting a drought warning issued earlier this year by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). Despite recent rainfall and considerable snowfall last winter, officials said Chester County experienced diminished groundwater recharge from November through March, leaving streams well below normal levels throughout the county. “The reservoirs, which provide water to public water systems in Chester County, are currently in good condition. However, declining groundwater levels could affect residents and farmers who use private wells, making water conservation more crucial if drought conditions continue in the upcoming months,” the Executive Director of the Chester County Water Resources Authority Seung Ah Byun said. For that reason, anyone who relies on groundwater wells is being asked to monitor their water use and avoid overburdening their wells. Officials said excessive pumping can lead to burned out pumps or dry wells that cannot replenish quickly enough to meet demand. Officials said the last time Chester County was under a drought warning was from November 2001 to February 2002. ...read more read less