Lock Haven staff told council that diminished reservoir levels require implementing Stage 2 of the city's drought-contingency plan and mandatory water-use restrictions effective immediately.

Under the Stage 2 declaration, the city requires a 20% reduction in nonessential water use by all customers receiving quarterly bills from the city system — including customers in Allison Township, Castaneda Township and Wayne Township served by the city system. The staff presentation listed prohibited nonessential uses, including the use of hoses or sprinklers for lawns and gardens, washing vehicles with a hose, operation of ornamental fountains, and use of hydrants for construction or drills. Residential guidance included simple household measures and a note that an average household would need to reduce consumption by about 175 gallons per week to meet the target.

Staff said the city will publish the restrictions in local newspapers, post them on the city's website and mail a notice to every customer. Law enforcement and city officials are authorized to investigate reported violations, though staff urged community cooperation to conserve water while wells remain offline and reservoirs refill.

The declaration will remain in place until staff announces an end to the drought restrictions.