ALBANY – A drought watch has been issued for the entire state.
“While most public water supplies are still generally normal throughout the state, below normal precipitation over the last nine months, low stream flows, and reduced groundwater levels have prompted the need for this action,” said state Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos.
A watch is the first of four levels of state drought advisories – watch, warning, emergency and disaster.
There are no statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place under a drought watch, but local public water suppliers may require such measures depending on local needs and conditions.
The last drought watch in New York State was issued in 2002.
Officials said observed precipitation has been less than normal with shortfalls of four to eight inches common over the last 90 days.
Water conservation tips include fixing dripping and leaking faucets and toilets; raising your lawn mower cutting height since longer grass needs less water; and overriding automatic lawn watering systems and irrigate only when needed.
