What you should know
- Governor Kathy Hochul directed the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to issue a drought watch for 21 counties following dry conditions.
- Counties under drought watch include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genessee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Wyoming and Yates.
- According to the state, below-normal rainfall over the past three months, low flows and low groundwater levels have prompted Hochul’s action.
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NEW YORK — Governor Kathy Hochul directed the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to issue a drought watch for 21 counties following dry conditions.
Counties under drought watch include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genessee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Wyoming and Yates.
“The 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 on how to help conserve our water resources will be crucial steps to help prevent more serious shortages should conditions worsen.”
New York encourages residents of the affected counties to conserve their water in the coming weeks.
“Water conservation is important throughout the year, but especially during prolonged dry spells like the ones we are experiencing now,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos. “DEC will continue to monitor water conditions as the summer progresses and will work with our partners to help address the short-term water issues leading up to this clock and the long-term impacts of climate change on our daily lives.”
According to the state, below-normal rainfall over the past three months, low flows and low groundwater levels have prompted Hochul’s action.
The National Weather Service outlook calls for above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation for the rest of the summer, the state said.
New York recommends the following tips to conserve water use:
- Water the lawn only when necessary, opting for irrigation methods that avoid waste. Try to irrigate early in the morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
- Reuse collected water in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
- Increase the mowing height of the grass, as grass that is longer tends to be healthier, has stronger roots and needs less water;
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks; Y
- Repair leaky pipes, hoses, and faucets.
- For more water saving tips, visit the DEC website.
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