Water levels, especially in rivers and streams, in Pennsylvania are at or approaching drought emergency levels in many parts of the state and groundwater levels have been declining.

Surface water levels in at least 46 counties in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania are now at drought emergency levels, according to the U.S. Geological Survey Drought Condition Monitoring Program.

In at least 23 counties, groundwater levels in Central and Northeast parts of the state are at drought emergency levels.

Conditions in the Susquehanna and Delaware river basins are at low flows for this time of year, with the National Weather Service is saying the entire Mid-Atlantic Region is experiencing abnormally dry weather.

The U.S.G.S. also reported freshwater streamflow to the Chesapeake Bay set a March record low in 2006. Streamflow to the Bay averaged 515,000 cubic feet per second or 333 billion gallons per day, which is about 65 percent below average.

A lack of snow cover and rain during the winter and early Spring has contributed to the low stream flows and groundwater levels.

Officially, the Commonwealth uses five parameters to assess drought conditions—stream flows, precipitation, reservoir storage levels, groundwater elevations and the Palmer Soil Moisture Index to determine whether a drought watch (lowest level), drought warning or drought emergency exists.

No drought warnings or watches have yet been posted.

For more information on water level and drought conditions, visit the DEP Drought Information Center.

4/7/2006