New York State has expanded its drought watch to cover 50 counties as dry conditions continue to affect large parts of the state. The Department of Environmental Conservation announced the increase after consulting with state and federal experts. This includes areas in the Catskills, Susquehanna, Mohawk/Upper Hudson, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions.
Governor Kathy Hochul and Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton urged residents, especially those who rely on private wells, to use water wisely in the coming weeks. While there are no mandatory water restrictions yet, this watch is a heads-up that water supplies are under pressure due to low precipitation, reduced stream flows, and declining groundwater levels.
The 30 counties recently added include Albany, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Columbia, Cayuga, Chemung, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, lower Herkimer, Livingston, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wyoming, and Yates.
This expanded drought watch is part of a four-step system used by the state, starting with a watch, then warning, emergency, and disaster levels if needed. Its goal is to give early notice to water suppliers and residents, so everyone is prepared if conditions worsen. Officials emphasize that voluntary water conservation remains important to protect supplies, even though major public water issues have not yet occurred.
People across the affected counties are encouraged to cut back on water use where possible. Simple actions like fixing leaks, limiting lawn watering, and using water-saving appliances can help. The state continues to monitor conditions closely and will update the public if the situation changes.