Delaware, Schoharie counties under drought watch
Nov. 4—The state Department of Environmental Conservation declared a drought watch for 15 New York counties Monday, Nov. 4 because of a significant shortage of rainfall and declining levels of streamflow and ground water.
After the declaration, DEC briefed the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies, according to a DEC news release. The state is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.
DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, "Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in some downstate areas being put under drought watch. Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources are crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve."
Delaware and Schoharie counties are included in the watch area, along with Bronx, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties. A watch is the first of four levels of state drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state drought watch.
New York City today also issued a citywide drought watch 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.
"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," the release stated.
drought index
The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir and lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of the indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region.
The index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments, the release stated.
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.
New York state continues to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to reduce the risk of wildfires. The Catskills, Hudson Valley and Long Island are currently at high risk for fires, according to the release. Any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up. It is illegal to burn leaves anywhere in New York. Local burn bans may be in place.
