Compared with last year�s usage of 4.26 million gallons, the resort staff and guests responded by reducing consumption to 2.85 million gallons last month.

�We pulled out all the stops after the governor issued a July 20 decree declaring a drought emergency for 55 counties including Somerset County,� explains Sarah Eutsey, manager of the Seven Springs Water Authority.  �That order prohibited washing cars with hoses, filling or topping off swimming pools, washing down surfaces of patios, siding and driveways. Restaurants could not serve water unless the customer requested it. Lawn watering was limited. We spread those words, but we also went further in looking for ways to save water throughout the resort.�

The authority distributed water-saving tip sheets throughout the resort to help spread the word among staff and guests. Seven Springs guests received advice that ranged from taking shorter showers, using linens and towels more than once and turning off running water when shaving and brushing teeth. Housekeeping and laundry staff reported that guests responded in a big way in saving thousands of gallons of laundry water each day.  Other departments throughout the resort also implemented water-saving measures. For example, food service workers developed more efficient methods to wash vegetables and utensils. At the swimming pool, the resort installed a new valve that eliminated overflow water waste. Inspections of the water pumping and air-conditioning systems also yielded additional savings.

Eutsey explains that while drought conditions appear to be improving, water conservation efforts also must continue to help restore water levels in the springs and wells the authority taps.  �We have been successful in maintaining adequate levels in our wells. Until we get enough precipitation to raise our levels, we need to conserve. Every drip saved helps, and we appreciate everyone�s efforts. I sent a notice to all departments commending the staff at Seven Springs. I told them the Department of Environmental Protection is proud of them.�

Seven Springs Mountain Resort is Pennsylvania�s largest ski and year-round resort. Located in Champion, PA, the resort is easily accessible by either exit 9 or 10 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.