What to Know
- Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered New York's Department of Environmental Conservation to issue a drought watch for 21 counties following dry conditions due to the lack of sufficient rain.
- The counties under drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genessee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Wyoming, and Yates.
- New York is encouraging residents in affected counties to conserve water during the coming weeks.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has ordered New York's Department of Environmental Conservation to issue a drought watch for 21 counties following dry conditions due to the lack of sufficient rain.
The counties under drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genessee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Wyoming, and Yates.
"Recent rains across the state were not enough to address the dry conditions that have persisted this year," Hochul said. "Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources will be crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage should conditions worsen."
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New York is encouraging residents in affected counties to conserve water during the coming weeks.
"Conserving water is important all year long, but particularly during extended dry periods like we are experiencing now," Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "DEC will continue to monitor water conditions as the summer continues and work with our partners to help address the short-term water issues leading to this watch and the longer-term impacts of climate change on our everyday lives."
According to the state, below-normal rain during the past three months, low streamflows, and low groundwater levels has prompted Hochul's action.
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The National Weather Service outlook predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation during the rest of the summer, the state said.
New York recommends the following tips to conserve water use:
- Water lawns only when necessary, opting for watering methods that avoid waste. Try to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
- Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
- Raise lawn mower cutting heights since grass that is longer tends to be healthier, have stronger roots and need less water;
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks; and
- Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.
- For more water saving tips, visit DEC's website.
