Pennsylvania American Water is encouraging customers to voluntarily reduce water consumption in response to the drought watch declaration announced late last week by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Of the 35 counties included in DEP’s drought watch declaration, 25 are with areas where Pennsylvania American Water provides water service, including Butler County, according to a news release from the company.

Pennsylvania American Water is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce their nonessential water use by 10 to 15%, or about 11 to 16 gallons per day, in accordance with DEP’s guidance.

A drought watch declaration is the first and least severe level of the state’s three drought classifications, according to the DEP.