The state Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday that it will maintain the statewide drought watch issued last month.

The decision was shared via a news release Friday following a meeting of the Commonwealth Drought Task Force earlier this week.

The DEP first declared a drought watch on Tuesday, June 15.

Amid the watch, residents and non-farm businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing nonessential water use.

The DEP makes drought status recommendations based on four criteria: stream flow, groundwater level, precipitation and soil moisture.

For Butler County, groundwater levels are within “drought watch” territory.

There are four levels of drought status — normal, drought watch, drought warning and drought emergency. For now, no part of the state is in a drought warning or emergency status.

During a drought watch, residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce all non-essential water use. The DEP maintains a list of tips on how to do this, which includes using the dishwasher and washing machine less often and only watering the lawn when necessary.

The next Commonwealth Drought Task Force meeting is scheduled for July 26.