New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a Drought Watch for 20 New York counties because of a shortage of rainfall and declining levels of stream-flow and ground water.
The counties under drought watch are Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, St. Lawrence, Suffolk, Warren, Wayne, and the northern portion of Cayuga County.
Rivers and streams are very low, even for this time of year. The U.S. Drought Monitor is showing the most seriously affected area is Northern New York, which has been declared “Abnormally Dry.”
The Eastern Adirondacks from Washington County north to Clinton County is in a “Moderate Drought” and most of Essex County now in a “Severe Drought.”
A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state Drought Watch.
While electrical power generation is the largest user of water in New York State, followed by public water supply to residents and businesses, to protect water resources, homeowners in regions under drought watch are encouraged to voluntarily reduce 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.
Find more water saving tips on DEC’s Water Use and Conservation webpage. View DEC’s Drought webpage to learn more about drought conditions and stages.
Illustrations, from above: Current New York State Drought Watch areas (DEC); and U.S. Drought Monitor map for Sept. 4, 2025.
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