New Yorkers Encouraged to be Vigilant about Unnecessary Water Use

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today updated drought conditions across the state, returning all 62 New York counties to “Normal” status. In cooperation with the State's Drought Management Task Force, DEC updated drought status from “Drought Watch” to “Normal” statewide, including New York City, after assessing recent precipitation and elevated levels of ground and surface water. While statewide and regional hydrological conditions have notably improved, localized dry conditions may persist and despite encouraging hydrological conditions, New Yorkers are urged to continue reducing unnecessary water use and waste, fixing leaks, and choosing efficient water fixtures.

“Recent precipitation and the vigilance of New Yorkers who heeded calls to conserve water resources have alleviated dry conditions across the state,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “DEC experts will continue to monitor conditions and work with New York City officials and localities across the state to identify any necessary steps and actions needed to help prevent additional shortages while New York State moves from a Drought Watch to Normal conditions.” 

New York State drought Region IIA, which includes New York City and Westchester County, is among the regions moving to normal status due to the satisfactory storage levels and refill probability of the New York City reservoirs.

“The lifting of the drought watch underscores the critical role of DEP’s strategic planning and adaptive management of New York City’s critical water resources,” said New York City Chief Climate Officer and DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “I’m grateful to our fellow City agencies for their partnership and to all New Yorkers for their conservation efforts, which helped us save water. Let’s continue to use water wisely to ensure the resilience and reliability of the city’s water supply system.” 

According to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the City's reservoirs are at more than 75 percent capacity with over 420 billion gallons in storage. DEC continues to work closely with DEP to monitor reservoir conditions and encourage responsible water use, especially outdoors, regardless of the hydrological conditions or season. 

Following the declaration, DEC briefed the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. A map of New York State drought conditions is available on the DEC website.

 
New York State encourages ongoing water conservation to ensure adequate supply for all emergency uses. To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use and follow these tips:

• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers or air conditioners to water plants.

• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.

• Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses and faucets.

• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.

• Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly.

• Install water saving plumbing fixtures.

• Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold.

• Wash cars less frequently.

Visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense for more tips on saving water indoors and outdoors. DEC has been a WaterSense partner since 2014.

Private Water Wells

For water wells that may be affected by drought, see the information and links below. Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for your individual situation.

• 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.

State Drought Index

Drought stages are calculated using the State Drought Index, which evaluates whether several drought indicators have reached critical thresholds. DEC experts track and evaluate drought conditions based on stream flows, lake and reservoir storage levels, and groundwater levels. These factors, and the duration of the dry period, season, and other information such as past and forecasted precipitation, weather patterns, and local conditions, are used by DEC to evaluate drought conditions across the state. 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.

For more water-saving tips, visit DEC's webpage. For more information about drought in New York, visit the Water Use and Conservation webpage.