While drought has become increasingly common in Pennsylvania over the last decade, it is unusual for nearly the entire state to be experiencing a severe lack of rainfall. Sixty-two of Pennsylvania's sixty-seven counties are under a drought advisory - a diagonal that stretches from Bedford in south central Pennsylvania all the way to Wayne County in the northeast corner.

"Groundwater levels are continuing to decline when they normally would be increasing," says David Hess, secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). "Now we're seeing streamflows dropping rapidly, reaching record-low levels in some cases."

Seventeen counties have precipitation deficits of more than 10 inches for the year, Hess says. "We need significantly above-normal precipitation over an extended period of time in order for conditions to improve."

Drought-like conditions have become increasingly frequent in Pennsylvania over the past decade. A full-blown "drought emergency" was declared across much of the state in 1998. State officials say they are exploring whether the lack of water is due to naturally occurring weather patterns, global warming or a simple increase in the demand for water.

"Depending on what area of state you're in, it can be an area where there is greater demand for water as areas grow rapidly. It puts pressure on them," notes Susan Rickens, deputy press secretary for the DEP.

Before the state declares drought conditions, officials consider five parameters: precipitation deficit, streamflows, groundwater levels, reservoir levels and soil moisture (the Palmer Index).

"Very reduced streamflows effect aquatic life," Palmer says. "For homeowners, groundwater levels affect them most. About half the people of Pennsylvania get drinking water from groundwater, whether it's a private well or if the public system is on a well."

The easiest way to reduce water consumption is to repair all the leaks in your home.

"They are the biggest water wasters," Rickens says. "Now is the time to fix leaky faucets and toilets."

Beyond that, the DEP says residents can reduce water by replacing old toilets with newer, water efficient models. Taking a shorter shower can save an average of 20 gallons of water. And, officials say, only wash clothes when the load is full.

Most people heed requests to reduce water consumption, Rickens says.

"Pennsylvanians have answered the call many times before," she says. "While we ask for water conservation on a regular basis, we think most people, when we put out a call like this, do mind it."