City council urges 20% water reduction amid drought contingency plan

The City Council of Lock Haven convened on December 11, 2023, to address critical issues surrounding water conservation amid ongoing drought conditions. The primary focus of the meeting was the city's drought contingency plan, which has prompted officials to request a voluntary 20% reduction in water consumption from residents.

During the discussions, it was noted that the actual reduction in water usage over the past two months has only reached 7%, which is deemed insufficient. Council members emphasized the importance of residential participation in conservation efforts, highlighting that while larger entities like First Quality have significantly reduced their water consumption, the bulk of usage comes from residential customers.

Council members encouraged residents to adopt simple water-saving practices, such as capturing water while waiting for it to heat up, which can then be reused for other purposes. They pointed out that reducing water usage not only benefits the community but also leads to lower water and sewer bills for households.

The council acknowledged that if residents do not comply with the voluntary reduction, the city may have to implement mandatory measures. They also discussed the financial implications of reduced water consumption, noting that while lower usage could decrease revenue, it might also mitigate the impact of potential rate increases.

The meeting concluded with a call for increased public awareness and engagement in water conservation efforts, as the city faces ongoing challenges related to water supply and sustainability. Council members expressed hope that residents would respond positively to the call for conservation, benefiting both the community and individual households.