The four New York drought stages and what they mean
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- According to the National Weather Service, the last time rain fell in the New York City metro area was Sept. 27 -- 36 days ago.
Now, amid a historic ongoing drought that is the second-longest stretch without rainfall since 1941, Mayor Eric Adams and other City officials are urging New York City residents to conserve water.
New York City and other surrounding areas are now under a drought watch. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, a "watch" is the first of four levels of drought advisories.
What areas are currently under a drought watch?
New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Putman, Dutchess, Ulster, Greene, Delaware, and Schoharie are under a drought watch.
What are the four drought stages, and what do they mean?
Drought Watch-
A drought watch is declared when a drought is developing. Public water suppliers begin to conserve water and urge customers to reduce water use. New York City is currently in this phase.
Drought Warning-
Communities are encouraged to conserve water during a drought warning. Water suppliers and industries activate their local drought plans, and local agencies prepare for possible emergencies.
Drought Emergency -
In a drought emergency, the governor can declare mandatory water restrictions. Local communities may need alternative water sources to preserve supplies and protect public health.
Drought Disaster-
A drought disaster plan is put into action with increased water use restrictions. The governor can declare a disaster and seek federal assistance. Emergency legislation may also be passed to equip local New York communities with the necessary resources and technical support.
“New York is rich with water resources,” read the DEC website. Our celebrated streams, lakes, and coasts are fed by an average annual precipitation that ranges from 60 inches in the Catskills to 28 inches in the Lake Champlain Valley. The last severe droughts in New York occurred in the mid-1960s and again in the early and mid-1980s.”
This story comprises reporting from PIX11 News reporters Dominique Jack and Ben Mitchell.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.