It’s never good to waste a natural resource.

For many Butler County residents — especially those who have wells — conserving water during the hot summer months is an annual ritual. This year, with many days of 90-degree weather, little precipitation and a high rate of evaporation, it is a necessity for everyone.

The signs have been there for anyone to see. Hikers have noticed stream beds drying up, visitors to state parks such as McConnell’s Mill have observed the low level of Slippery Rock Creek, and residents are watching the water levels rapidly drop in their backyard pools and ponds.

In late July, the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh reported the county would need 6 to 9 inches of rain in one month to get back to normal levels; we haven’t see that yet. A normal water level at Moraine State Park is 10 feet; it was down 4 to 5 inches late last month, according to Dan Bickel, the park’s manager.

Many municipalities in the county have issued a ban on burning — a common sense, but important action taken as the lack of rain causes the grass to crunch under foot on many county lawns.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a drought watch for 14 counties in July, including Butler County. On Friday, it expanded that drought watch to include two additional counties.

Residents are being asked to reduce their individual water use to 60 gallons per person per day, down from a statewide average of 62 gallons per person per day.

Small adjustments like that now will keep water flowing for all. Shorter showers, dirtier cars, shutting the faucet off when doing dishes or washing hands are just a few ideas — ones that might be good to follow all year round.

Limiting unnecessary use of water should become a habit — a positive behavior taught to our children and grandchildren — whether the rain falls or not.

— DJS