50 New York State Counties Under A Drought Watch

Are you enjoying this late summer/early fall weather we've been experiencing in the Southern Tier of New York and Northeast Pennsylvania? So many warm, sunny days. Very little rain.

Well, as good as it may sound, many areas throughout the Empire State need rain. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 50 counties in the state are in a drought watch.

Read More: Autumn Events Happening Throughout The Southern Tier

Only six counties outside of New York City and Westchester County are under normal conditions. Those counties include Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Otsego, Cortland, and Madison. Close by, Delaware, Chemung, and Tompkins counties are all under the drought watch.

What Is A "Watch?"

The NYS DEC notes:

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 residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending upon local needs and conditions.

Under a drought warning, the NYS DEC issues a notice of impending and imminent severe drought conditions, which includes enhanced public outreach and awareness, as well as increased voluntary water conservation measures.

These advisories are intended for guidance to public and private water suppliers and withdrawals, as per the NYS DEC.

Learn more about drought conditions from the NYS DEC and keep updated with current conditions throughout the state by visiting the DEC website.

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