Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has requested the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to issue a Drought Watch for several Western New York counties. Despite record rains, Hochul says they weren't enough to mitigate dry conditions across the state.
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The five Western New York counties under the watch are Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Orleans counties. A total of 20 counties statewide have been added to the list.
"Even with some recent rain, it wasn’t enough to reduce the dry conditions we’ve seen most of the summer this year," said Gov. Hochul in a statement. "In order to prevent a more severe shortage should conditions worsen, we could see local water restrictions in the Long Island, Adirondack, and Great Lakes regions of the state."
"While it’s not mandatory, we’re encouraging everyone who lives in the Drought Watch areas to do what they can to conserve water during this dry weather," added State DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton in a statement. "DEC will continue to monitor the conditions and work with our agency partners to address these short-term issues as well as the longer-term impacts of climate change."
Hochul and Lefton say homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:
- Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;
- Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;
- Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks;
- Fix leaking pipes, 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.
The Drought Watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state.