DEP(환경보호부 : Department of Environmental Protection)는 펜실베니아주 전역 27개 구역의 건조한 가을과 강수량이 평균 이하인 겨울 무렵 가뭄문제를 조사한 결과 지하수와 지표수 수준이 평균 이하로 나타났다고 밝혔다.

 

3가지 가뭄의 분류방식에 따르면 현재 가뭄 수준은 최소 심각 수준으로, 물 사용 시 꼭 필요할 때가 아니면 자발적으로 6%를 감소해 사용할 것을 권장하고 있다.

 

 

 

As a result of below-average groundwater and surface water levels across Pennsylvania -- caused by a dry fall and below-normal precipitation in the winter -- the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has invoked a drought watch for 27 counties across the state.

 

The counties covered under the declaration are: Berks, Bradford, Cambria, Carbon, Clinton, Columbia, Indiana, Lackawanna, Lawrence, Luzerne, Lycoming, McKean, Mercer, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Potter, Schuylkill, Snyder, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wayne, Westmoreland, and Wyoming.

 

A drought watch is the first and least-severe level of the state's three drought classifications, calling for a voluntary 5-percent reduction in non-essential water use. DEP has notified all water suppliers in the affected areas of the need to monitor their supplies, particularly those that rely upon groundwater, and update their drought contingency plans as necessary.

 

Through a cooperative program with the U.S. Geological Survey, DEP helps fund a statewide network of gauges to monitor groundwater levels and stream flows. This network provides the state's drought coordinator with comprehensive data that is used to determine drought classifications.

 

In addition to precipitation, groundwater and stream flow levels, DEP monitors soil moisture and water supply storage. This data is shared with other state and federal agencies. DEP also offers water conservation recommendations and water audit procedures for commercial and industrial users, such as food processors, hotels and educational institutions.

 

[출처 = Water World / 2015년 5월 26일]