The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection declared Friday a drought watch in 16 counties, including Butler County.

According to a DEP news release Friday, the decision came after a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force, which recommended the drought watch for 16 counties: Armstrong, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Fayette, Huntingdon, Indiana, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, Perry and Potter.

“We’re asking residents in these 16 counties to use water wisely and follow simple water conservation tips to ease the demand for water,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.

Residents are asked to reduce their individual water use to 60 gallons per person per day, which is about a 5 percent reduction from the statewide average of 62 gallons per person per day.

The DEP suggests residents take actions such as running water only when it is necessary; reusing water when possible; and by watering plants during the morning and/or evening hours.

Other DEP suggestions involved more permanent water reduction solutions, such as inspecting one’s home for leaks and replacing appliances with more efficient versions.

In the release, the DEP also warned that some individual water suppliers or municipalities may request more stringent conservation actions by residents.

The DEP is notifying all water suppliers in these counties of the need to monitor their supplies and be prepared by updating their drought contingency plans as necessary.