The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has declared a drought watch for 15 New York counties in the Hudson Valley and downstate – including Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess – because of a significant shortage of rainfall and declining levels of streamflow and ground water.
Following the declaration, DEC briefed the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. The state is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.
“Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in some downstate areas being put under drought watch,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources are crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve.”
A watch is the first of four levels of state drought advisories, which go from watch, to warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state drought watch.
To protect water resources, homeowners in regions under drought watch are encouraged to: voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration.
In addition, they are encouraged to reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants; raise lawn mower cutting heights, as longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water; use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.
The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region.
The index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.
For more water saving tips and information about drought in New York, visit https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/water-use-conservation.