View Map of New York State Drought Conditions 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that 21 counties moved from Drought Warning to Drought Watch due to several weeks of consistent rainfall and improving levels of streamflow and ground water. Counties moved to drought watch are Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, northern Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Warren, and Wayne. There are now 56 counties in drought watch across New York State. 

“Thankfully, rain is providing communities across the state with some needed relief, resulting in downgrading from warning to watch in the Adirondacks, Southern Tier, and Great Lakes-area counties,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “While recent rainfall improved dry conditions for many counties in New York, drought watch remains in effect for much of the State and New Yorkers are asked to continue water conservation efforts. DEC experts continue to monitor conditions and coordinate closely with the Drought Management Task Force to issue recommendations that help protect our water supplies.” 

Observed precipitation over the past 90 days has improved but remains less than normal across virtually the entire state. Observed precipitation deficits across the state range from two to seven inches. Stream flows and groundwater levels are gradually improving. The National Weather Service’s near-term forecast suggests that normal or even slightly wet precipitation patterns can be expected over the next month. 

There are four levels of State drought advisories: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. Under a drought watch, there are no statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place, but residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending upon local needs and conditions.

New Yorkers are urged to continue conserving water as 56 counties are in drought watch. Property owners in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, are encouraged to help prevent worsening conditions during the coming weeks by following tips to reduce water use whenever possible. 

To protect water resources, New Yorkers are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use. For water saving tips, visit DEC's Water Use and Conservation webpage. For more information about drought in New York, visit DEC’s website. 

State Drought Index

Drought watches and warnings are triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir and lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.

DEC and the U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances. 

Drought Preparedness

In New York, drought status determinations are based on a State Drought Index that uses New York State specific attributes, so it may differ somewhat from national drought assessments. In addition, local conditions may vary, so some areas of the state may make their own determinations of drought stage using locally-focused criteria. DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific circumstances. 

Drought preparedness includes monitoring and evaluation of climatological and conditions for early awareness of a potential drought and the implementation of short- and long-term options for programs and projects to minimize drought impacts. 

Certain sectors have the potential to be impacted by drought conditions, including water supply, agriculture, ecosystems, navigation and transportation, energy and manufacturing, and planning and preparedness. 

The State’s Drought Management Task Force monitors drought conditions, communicates information, and coordinates with affected communities. The Task Force is governed by the State Drought Management Coordination Annex, which focuses on research, monitoring and possible legislative actions to help prevent and mitigate impacts from droughts. Task Force members include DEC, New York State Office of Emergency Management, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture and Markets, Canal Authority, Thruway Authority, and New York Power Authority. With this coordinated preparedness and response effort, the impact of drought conditions on communities and commerce can be reduced. 

Know Your Water

The public can contact their local water system for information about drought preparedness, impacts, and response notices and activities. Additional tips for the public on water conservation can also be found in each water systems Annual Water Quality Report (AWQR). Water system contact information and AWQR can be accessed using the Know Your NY Water website or water systems own websites. Fire departments should check that their sources have adequate supply and that the intakes for dry hydrants are sufficiently submerged. 

Support for Farmers

It is recommended that on-farm water supplies are monitored regularly, and concerns are communicated with county emergency management and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Cornell Cooperative Extension Disaster Education Network and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets offer additional resources and local support. 

Private Water Well Assistance and Dry Water Well Reporting
For assistance with water wells that may be affected by drought:

• Report a dry water well using the Dry Water Well Reporting Form 
• Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for individual needs.
• Check that the well is dry due to drought and no other issues. Sometimes the solution is quite simple, like a broken valve or electrical issue. The only way to definitively tell if a well is dry is to measure the water level in the well.
• Conserve water year-round to help prevent the effects of drought on water wells.
• Consider adding a water storage tank to help get through dry periods.
• Clean or redevelop existing wells.
• Deepen existing wells or drill a new well. If drilling a new well, properly decommission the old well to protect groundwater quality.