Governor Kathy Hochul has directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to upgrade 10 additional counties in the Great Lakes region from drought watch to drought warning status. The state is urging all residents, including those who rely on private groundwater wells, to conserve water during the ongoing dry conditions.
“Less than a week after I implemented a statewide burn ban, the drought conditions, even after this week’s rains, are not getting much better and we’re forced to add more counties to the drought warning category,” Governor Hochul said. “It’s important that we keep taking proactive steps to keep communities and farmers safe. Once again, we urge everyone in the state to do what they can to conserve water while this dry weather continues.”
Currently, a drought watch or warning is in effect for all of New York State except for New York City and Westchester County. Drought conditions in these areas are determined by local authorities in coordination with DEC. The state’s drought advisories have four levels: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. There are no mandatory restrictions under a watch or warning; however, a warning signals imminent severe drought conditions and calls for increased public awareness and voluntary conservation efforts. Public water suppliers and industries are encouraged to implement local contingency plans.
The counties now under drought warning include Allegany, Cattaraugus, northern Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Jefferson, northern Herkimer, Lewis, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Wayne.
New York State DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said,“We encourage everyone to do their part to conserve water while we face these drier than normal conditions. The small amount of rain we received recently is not enough to overcome larger water deficits in many areas. Being more careful with water use now can prevent greater effects on our water resources. Whether it’s taking a shorter shower, not watering the lawn, or other smart reduction efforts, we can all do our part to conserve water.”
Rain is forecasted for parts of New York State; however, according to the National Weather Service forecast there is little chance of significant relief from dry conditions. Despite recent rainfall between October 7 and October 8 in some areas of the state, precipitation over the past 90 days remains below normal across nearly all regions. Precipitation deficits range from two to eight inches statewide. Stream flows and groundwater levels continue to decline in certain locations.
Drought status determinations in New York rely on a State Drought Index that uses state-specific data and may differ from national assessments. Local governments may also assess drought stages based on their own criteria. The DEC supports local efforts toward conservation based on specific needs.
Drought can affect various sectors including public water supply systems as well as agriculture and ecosystems. Reduced stream flows impact aquatic life health while less precipitation affects plant growth and terrestrial animals. Drought may also contribute to Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) formation when combined with factors such as sunny weather and changing mixing dynamics.
The State’s Drought Management Task Force monitors conditions and coordinates with affected communities through research and communication efforts involving multiple agencies such as DEC; Office of Emergency Management; Department of Health; Department of Agriculture and Markets; Canal Authority; Thruway Authority; and New York Power Authority.
Residents are advised to contact their local water systems for information about preparedness measures or visit each system’s Annual Water Quality Report (AWQR). Further details can be found through resources like Know Your NY Water website.
Farmers are advised to monitor their on-farm water supplies regularly and communicate concerns with county emergency management offices or Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Additional support is available through Cornell Cooperative Extension Disaster Education Network and Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Governor Hochul recently implemented a statewide burn ban effective through October 15 due to increased fire risk. The ban prohibits outdoor fires for brush or debris disposal as well as uncontained fires such as campfires except those within certain size limits or contained cooking fires. Burning garbage or leaves remains prohibited year-round.
The current fire danger across New York is rated as “Moderate,” meaning fires can start from most accidental causes.
For those using private wells affected by drought conditions: consult registered contractors for assistance; check if wells are dry due solely to drought; consider installing storage tanks or deepening wells; clean existing wells as needed; always decommission old wells properly when drilling new ones.
Water users are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor usage by following recommended practices such as watering lawns only when necessary during early morning hours; reusing collected rainwater; raising mower heights; sweeping rather than hosing driveways; fixing leaks promptly; washing full loads of laundry or dishes; taking shorter showers; installing efficient fixtures; avoiding running taps unnecessarily; and washing cars less frequently.
More information about saving water is available at DEC’s Water Use & Conservation webpage and details about current drought status can be found on DEC’s website.
