The drought watch issued for New York state has been expanded to 50 counties.
Governor Kathy Hokule announced on the 10th that “as the drought continues, groundwater and river levels continue to remain below normal,” and that “drought watches will be issued for an additional 30 counties.”
New York State had already issued drought watches for 20 counties last month. This brings the total number of counties under drought watches in New York state to 50, including two Long Island counties, Nassau and Suffolk, as well as Orange, Rockland, and Dutchess counties. Last year, the five boroughs of New York City and Westchester County, which were under drought warnings at the same time, were removed from the drought watch list due to recent rain.
Governor Hokul urged residents in the drought watch areas to voluntarily conserve water, saying, “The drought that has persisted throughout the summer will continue into September. This is the time when water conservation is essential.”
New York State’s drought warnings are divided into four levels: “watch,” “warning,” “emergency,” and “disaster.” The first level, “watch,” does not require mandatory or mandatory water restrictions.
Amanda Lefton, Director of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), added, “We hope that residents in the 50 counties under drought warnings will voluntarily conserve water by refraining from watering lawns, using washing machines, and shortening shower times.”