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    • Drought watch in effect in 15 New York counties. How long will it last?
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    Drought watch in effect in 15 New York counties. How long will it last?

    Umito Posted on

    Residents of 15 New York counties are urged to conserve water to a drought watch has been declared for part of the state last week.

    The New York State Department of Conservation (DEC) encourages New Yorkers living in affected areas to conserve water whenever they can in the coming weeks, especially those who rely on wells private underground spaces, because recent months have been marked by “a significant lack of precipitation”. and declining stream and groundwater flow levels.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    Which departments are concerned?

    A drought watch has been issued by the DEC for the following counties: Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

    New York City also launched a citywide drought watch after a “historic lack of precipitation,” meaning city agencies will update and prepare to launch their water conservation plans. water and that the city’s inhabitants will be invited to contribute to water conservation.

    The rest of the state is in a normal drought situation, according to the DEC.

    What is drought monitoring?

    According to the DEC, a drought watch is the lowest of the state’s four drought advisory levels, and depends on factors such as stream flow, lake and reservoir storage levels, groundwater levels, precipitation trends, weather conditions, season and local conditions.

    Drought watches do not impose any mandatory restrictions.

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    How long will drought monitoring last?

    It’s unclear how long the drought watch will last, the DEC says, because there has been a 7 to 8 inch lack of rain over the past two months compared to normal conditions.

    What to do if you live in the affected counties

    Those who live in any of the 15 aforementioned counties are being asked to voluntarily reduce their outdoor water usage. Here’s what the DEC recommends homeowners do to save water:

    • Water your lawn only when necessary, choosing watering methods that avoid waste and watering early in the morning to reduce evaporation and maximize hydration.
    • Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water your plants.
    • Increase the cutting height of your lawn mower because longer grass is healthier, meaning it has stronger roots and requires less water.
    • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk.
    • Repair leaking pipes, pipes and faucets in your home.

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    Parts of New York are at high fire risk

    The DEC says the Catskills, Hudson Valley and Long Island are currently at high fire risk and reminds residents that burning leaves is illegal anywhere in the state. If you plan to camp in the backcountry this fall, New Yorkers should follow these tips to avoid:

    • Use existing campfire circles when possible.
    • Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten tree stumps, logs, dry grass and leaves.
    • Stack extra wood away from the campfire.
    • Clear the area around your planned campfire of all leaves, twigs and other flammable materials.
    • Never leave a campfire unattended.
    • When you have finished the campfire, flood it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet, and check under any rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.

    Emily Barnes reports on consumer issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect team, focusing on topics related to scams and recalls. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Contact us at [email protected].

    Umito
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