A drought warning is in effect in 15 New York counties. How long will it take?

by Junna Base November 8, 2024

Residents in fifteen New York counties are being urged to conserve water as a drought warning was declared for part of the state last week.

The New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) is encouraging New Yorkers living in affected areas to conserve water whenever they can in the coming weeks, especially those who rely on private underground wells, as ” There was a “significant lack of precipitation” and falling water volumes and groundwater levels.

Here’s what you should know.

Which districts are affected?

A drought warning has been issued by the DEC for the following counties: Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

New York City has also issued a citywide drought warning following a “historic rainfall deficit,” meaning city officials will update and prepare for implementation of their water conservation plans and city residents will be asked to help conserve water.

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

What is a Drought Watch?

A drought watch is the lowest of four levels of state drought warnings, according to DEC, and depends on factors such as stream flows, lake and reservoir storage levels, groundwater levels, precipitation trends, weather patterns, season and local conditions.

Drought watches do not impose mandatory restrictions.

How long will the drought watch last?

It is unclear how long the drought period will last, the DEC says, as the past two months have experienced a 7 to 8 inch rainfall deficit compared to normal conditions.

What to do if you live in the affected counties?

Those living in any of the above 15 counties are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their outdoor water use. The DEC recommends the following for homeowners to conserve water:

Water your lawn only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and maximize hydration.
Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water your plants.
Increase the cutting height of your lawn mower because longer grass is healthier, has stronger roots and requires less water.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and walkway.
Repair any leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets in your home.

There is a high risk of fires in parts of New York

The DEC says there is currently a high risk of fires in the Catskills, Hudson Valley and Long Island and reminds residents that leaf burning is illegal anywhere in the state. If you’re planning on camping in the backcountry this fall, New Yorkers should follow these tips to prevent:

If possible, use existing campfire pits.
Build campfires near overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves.
Stack extra wood away from the campfire.
Clear the area around your planned campfire of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
When you’re finished with the campfire, drown it with water, make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet, and look under any rocks to see if there are any burning embers underneath.

Emily Barnes covers consumer-related topics for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect team, focusing on fraud and recall issues. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Contact us at [email protected].

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