CHAMBERSBURG – Residents and businesses in the Chambersburg Borough water service area remain under a drought warning, despite recent rainfall that has helped raise reservoir levels.
The advisory, which covers the borough and small sections of Greene and Hamilton townships, remains in effect as the Long Pine Run Reservoir continues to operate below typical capacity for this time of year. The borough first declared the drought warning on March 24 after months of below-average precipitation.
Although recent storms have boosted the reservoir’s water by 20 percent, officials say the supply is still not meeting the threshold needed to lift the warning. The reservoir currently sits at 65 percent capacity, which is considered low as the region approaches the drier summer months.
At this stage, water restrictions are voluntary. The borough is encouraging a 10 to 15 percent reduction in nonessential water use. Residents and businesses are asked to limit activities such as lawn watering, car washing and other outdoor uses. Indoors, officials recommend running appliances only with full loads, taking shorter showers, repairing leaks and installing water-saving fixtures.
No penalties will be issued for not following the conservation measures, but officials stress the importance of community cooperation to help protect the water supply. Borough staff will continue to monitor reservoir levels and provide updates as conditions change.
