The state Department of Environmental Protection has declared a drought watch for Butler and 24 other counties due to a run of dry weather over the summer months.

In addition to Butler, neighboring Beaver, Clarion, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties also are affected.

Drought declarations are based on four factors: precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels and soil moisture. The drought watch is the first of three stages of drought declarations in Pennsylvania, indicating that at least three of the four measured statistics are between 10 and 25% of long-term average values. When a drought watch is declared, residents are asked to voluntarily reduce water use by 5 to10%.

A drought warning is declared when at least three of the four measured statistics are between 5 and 10% of long-term average values. When a drought watch is declared, residents are asked to voluntarily reduce water use by 10 to 15%.

In rare circumstances, the state may declare a drought emergency and implement water restrictions.