New York is asking 15 counties to conserve water amid drought

The New York State Department of Conservation is urging residents in 15 counties to conserve water amid drought.

The DEC announced last week that New York City, Long Island, the Catskills region and parts of the Hudson Valley are facing significant rainfall deficiencies and declining streamflow and groundwater levels. People in affected areas, especially those who rely on private groundwater wells, should conserve water in the coming weeks.

“Unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have created dry conditions in many New York counties, resulting in some inland areas being placed under a drought watch,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “Local water restrictions and educating residents about how they can help protect our water resources are critical steps to prevent even greater shortages until conditions improve.”

New York State counties under drought watch include Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

A watch is the first of four levels of New York State’s drought warnings: Watch, Warning, Emergency and Disaster. There are no mandatory restrictions as part of government drought monitoring.

According to the Associated Press, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ordered all city departments to implement water conservation plans and urged the public to turn off faucets when brushing teeth, sweep sidewalks instead of hosing them down and otherwise conserve water when possible. New York’s Central Park received just 0.01 inches of rain last month, well below the average of 4.4 inches in the driest October in more than 150 years.

“Mother Nature is in charge, and so we need to make sure we adapt,” Adams said.

Other ways to save water include watering your lawn only when needed, increasing the cutting height of your lawn mower because longer grass requires less water, and reusing water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants. Due to the increased risk of fire, campers are also encouraged to use campfire pits whenever possible. Build campfires away from overhanging branches, leaves, and other flammable materials. and never leave a campfire unattended.

The DEC has not said how long the drought watch is expected to last. USA Today reports that the affected region has experienced a rainfall deficit of 7 to 8 inches over the past two months.

The rest of the state is in a normal drought state, the DEC said.