After several weeks of consistent rainfall, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that 21 counties have shifted from a Drought Warning to a Drought Watch. The affected counties include Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Warren and Wayne. This brings the total number of counties under drought watch in New York State to 56.
“Thankfully, rain is providing communities across the state with some needed relief, resulting in downgrading from warning to watch in the Adirondacks, Southern Tier and Great Lakes-area counties,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “While recent rainfall improved dry conditions for many counties in New York, drought watch remains in effect for much of the State and New Yorkers are asked to continue water conservation efforts. DEC experts continue to monitor conditions and coordinate closely with the Drought Management Task Force to issue recommendations that help protect our water supplies.”
Although precipitation levels have improved over the past three months across most areas of New York State compared to earlier this year—stream flows and groundwater levels are also gradually increasing—precipitation deficits still range between two and seven inches statewide. According to forecasts by the National Weather Service cited by DEC officials in their update on drought status changes for multiple counties (https://www.weather.gov/), normal or slightly above-normal precipitation patterns may be expected over the next month.
There are four advisory levels regarding droughts: watch, warning, emergency and disaster. Under a drought watch there are no mandatory statewide restrictions on water use; however residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may set their own conservation requirements depending on local needs.
Residents who rely on private groundwater wells are particularly encouraged by state officials to take steps now that could prevent further worsening of conditions during upcoming weeks.
To support ongoing efforts at conserving water resources—including both outdoor use reductions and broader efficiency measures—the DEC directs people seeking tips or more information about current drought status or preparedness strategies toward its online resources (https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5011.html).
The State Drought Index—which determines whether an area is under a watch or warning—considers factors such as precipitation totals as well as reservoir/lake levels alongside streamflow data specific to nine regions within New York State. These indicators each carry weighted significance based on regional needs.
DEC works together with partners including the U.S. Geological Survey (https://www.usgs.gov/) as well as local governments when evaluating hydrologic conditions statewide; it also supports localized conservation initiatives tailored according to unique community circumstances.
Farmers concerned about their own supply can seek guidance through county emergency management offices or Soil and Water Conservation Districts; additional resources come from organizations like Cornell Cooperative Extension Disaster Education Network (https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/) and NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (https://agriculture.ny.gov/).
Those using private wells should regularly check supply status—and report any dry wells via official channels—as well as consider maintenance steps ranging from cleaning existing wells through deepening them if necessary.
Further details on how individuals can help manage drought impacts—including annual reports by local systems—are available through Know Your NY Water’s website (https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/knowyournywater/) or directly from individual suppliers’ web pages.
