City of Lock Haven Under “Stage 2 Drought Condition”

By Christopher Miller

LOCK HAVEN – Due to the lack of consistent rainfall, available water for public supply from the city’s reservoirs has been cut. Based on the current reservoir levels, the city is implementing a Stage 2 Drought Condition,” restricting non-essential water use for city residents.

“A mandatory 20% reduction is required of all customers who receive their quarterly bills from the City of Lock Haven whether in the city, Allison, Castanea, or Wayne Townships. For the average home, that is 175 gallons per week less. Ways to reduce consumption can be found on the city’s website or by doing a search online, but the easiest way to save 100 gallons a week is to not run the water while brushing your teeth,” a press release issued by City Manager Greg Wilson said.

The following nonessential uses of water are now prohibited until the city announces the end of the drought:
The use of hoses, sprinklers, or other means for sprinkling or watering of shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, plants, vines, gardens, vegetables, flowers, or any other vegetation. • The use of water for washing automobiles, trucks, trailers, trailer houses, or any other type of mobile equipment.
The washing of streets, driveways, parking lots, service station aprons, office buildings, exteriors of homes, sidewalks, apartments, or other outdoor surfaces.
The operation of any ornamental fountain or other similar structure.
The use of water from fire hydrants for construction purposes or fire drills. • The use of water to flush a sewer line or sewer manhole.
The use of water for commercial farms and nurseries other than a bare minimum to preserve plants, crops, and livestock.
“The largest industrial and commercial users who are the county’s major employers are also informed of the required reduction. Local law enforcement will be authorized to investigate reported violations of these prohibited uses, but the city is confident that we will work together as a region to reduce consumption and make the limited water we have on hand last until rain and snow refill the reservoirs,” the press release said.

In other news, Citizens Hose Company requested a closure of Leather Alley adjacent to the fire department, beginning November 27 through December 30 for the sale of Christmas Trees.

Justin Frear of the Covenant United Methodist Church requested the use of Triangle Park on December 7 for a small Christmas service and carol sing from 4:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Lastly, city resident Bre Reynolds made an impassioned plea to city council to open or locate a suitable place for a “warming center” during the winter months for the homeless of Lock Haven.

“A gentleman came to the food pantry looking for food, but does not have access to a microwave or an oven to warm it,” she said. “We gave him granola bars and a box of cereal to get him through the next few days. I had been thinking about this for the past couple of days and we came together to buy him a warm sleeping bag so he had at least a means to try to keep warm. If anyone with a vacant building, or a church comes together that we can work with, I would be happy to do the leg work on this project.