The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today issued an update on drought conditions across the state. The State's Drought Management Task Force updated the drought status from “Drought Warning” to “Drought Watch” for New York City and 10 additional counties because of recent rainfall and higher levels of ground and surface water. All of New York’s 62 counties are now in “Drought Watch” status. Despite encouraging hydrological conditions, New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures.
“While recent precipitation has alleviated dry conditions for many counties, New Yorkers should still be vigilant about water use and conservation,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “Through Governor Hochul’s leadership, DEC experts will continue to monitor conditions and work with localities across the state to identify any necessary steps and actions to conserve water resources and help prevent more severe shortages.”
The following counties are returning to Drought Watch designations: Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. There are four levels of State drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. There are no mandatory restrictions under a Drought Watch.
Following the declaration, DEC briefed the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. A map of New York State drought conditions is available on the DEC website.
New York City issued a citywide drought watch on Nov. 2 after a historic lack of precipitation, ordering city agencies to update water conservation plans and prepare to implement them, and urging the public to help conserve water. A statewide Drought Watch went into effect on Nov 18, in addition to the Drought Warning issued for 15 counties. Conserving water will slow the depletion rate of the stored water in the city’s reservoirs and can potentially postpone or eliminate the threat of a serious shortage.
New York State encourages ongoing water conservation to ensure adequate supply for all emergency uses. To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use and follow these tips:
- Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants.
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
- Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses and faucets.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.
- Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly.
- Install water saving plumbing fixtures.
- Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold.
- Wash cars less frequently.
Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense for more tips on saving water indoors and outdoors. DEC has been a WaterSense partner since 2014.
Private Water Wells
For water wells that may be affected by drought, see the information and links below. Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for your individual situation.
- Check that the well is dry due to drought and no other issues. Sometimes the solution is quite simple, like a broken valve or electrical issue. The only way to definitively tell if a well is dry is to measure the water level in the well.
- Conserve water year-round to help prevent the effects of drought on water wells.
- Consider adding a water storage tank to help get through dry periods.
- Clean or redevelop existing wells.
- Deepen existing wells or drill a new well. If drilling a new well, properly decommission the old well to protect groundwater quality.
State Drought Index
Drought stages are calculated using the State Drought Index, which evaluates whether several drought indicators have reached critical thresholds. DEC experts track and evaluate drought conditions based on stream flows, lake and reservoir storage levels, and groundwater levels. These factors, and the duration of the dry period, season, and other information such as past and forecasted precipitation, weather patterns, and local conditions, are used by DEC to evaluate drought conditions across the state. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.
DEC and the U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances.
