Water Conservation, Outdoor Fire Prevention Urged In Hatboro-Horsham

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —With no rain in the forecast and the drought in Eastern Montgomery County and the Philadelphia region continuing, township and borough officials are asking residents to save water and prevent fires.

"As you may have noticed, we haven't had any significant rainfall in the Philly region since Sept. 28," Horsham Township officials said. "Water levels are low and it is crucial we all do our part to conserve."

Township officials are asking residents to:

• Limit lawn watering.
• Take shorter showers.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

"Every little bit helps," township officials said. "Let's work together to protect our community's water supply."

Meanwhile, Hatboro Fire Marshal Kate Valesky is warning residents about taking safety measures while using outdoor fire pits.

She said that while outdoor fire pits are legal in the borough, there are some important rules to follow:

1. Outdoor fireplaces, outdoor cooking grills, outdoor patio stoves, chimneys, and factory-built metal novelty stoves shall be permitted upon private property within the Borough of Hatboro to be used solely for their intended purpose and in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions.

2. Outdoor fireplaces, outdoor cooking grills, outdoor patio stoves, chimneys, and factory-built metal novelty stoves shall not be used indoors or in any enclosed areas that are not properly ventilated or within 10 feet of a building or structure.