DEC Contact: Kevin Frazier (518) 402-8000 September 29, 2020
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DEC ANNOUNCES SOUTHERN TIER ADDED TO STATE DROUGHT WATCH LISTFive Regions Now on Statewide Drought Watch List |
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Map of New York State Drought Conditions Available Here
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the State has expanded its Drought Watch to the Southern Tier drought region, which includes Cattaraugus, Alleghany, Steuben, and Chemung counties. A drought watch remains in effect for Long Island, Upper Hudson/Mohawk, Adirondacks, and Great Lakes/St. Lawrence since Governor Andrew M. Cuomo directed DEC to issue the watch in July after consulting with experts from the State Drought Management Task Force. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC urges water users in the Southern Tier and previously designated Drought Watch regions to monitor usage and avoid wasting water. While the watch is just the first stage, it provides New York State agencies and emergency responders advanced notice of a developing drought. We can all do our part to conserve water now by taking simple steps. Minor changes in your everyday routine can go a long way in helping prevent increased drought levels." 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 or warning. Local public water suppliers may impose water use restrictions depending upon local needs and conditions and New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Conservation tips for homeowners to reduce outdoor water usage include:
For more water saving tips, visit DEC's webpage. The Drought Management Task Force consists of the Office of Emergency Management, Canal Corporation, the Thruway Authority, and the Departments of Health, Environmental Conservation, and Agriculture and Markets. The United States Geological Survey and National Weather Service provide technical assistance. The drought watch and warnings are triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in New York State's nine drought regions. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region. For more information, visit DEC's webpage. |
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