Credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation declared a drought watch for 15 counties, including Dutchess, on Nov. 2, citing unseasonably dry conditions and declining streamflow and groundwater levels. Residents, particularly those reliant on private wells, are urged to conserve water to mitigate potential shortages in the weeks ahead.
“Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties,” said DEC interim commissioner Sean Mahar in a press release. “Local water restrictions and educating residents about conserving water are crucial to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve.”
No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch, which is the first of four drought advisory levels: watch, warning, emergency and disaster.
With the watch in effect, homeowners are encouraged to take water-saving measures, such as watering lawns only when necessary and at optimal times, reusing rainwater for plants, and fixing leaky pipes. To prevent wildfire risks, DEC also advises campers to be cautious with campfires, noting that the Catskills, Hudson Valley and Long Island are currently at high risk for fires.
Dutchess County joins Bronx, Delaware, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester in this advisory. The DEC, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, will continue monitoring hydrologic conditions across the state.
According to federal officials at the National Integrated Drought Information System, October was the second driest on record, spanning back 130 years.
For more water-saving tips, visit the DEC’s webpage.
