New York State Issues Drought Watch

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued a Drought Watch covering the entire state.

It's the first Drought Watch for the state since 2002.

A drought watch is the first of four stages of drought advisories, with warnings, emergencies, and disasters being the next three.

Factors such as rainfall, reservoir and lake levels, stream flow and groundwater levels in nine different New York regions determine the Drought Index.

New York is currently four to eight inches below normal rainfall levels for the last ninety days.

While there are no current restrictions, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said they are encouraging residents throughout the state to conserve water whenever possible during the coming months.

Since last October, precipitation has been below normal levels, with shortfalls of 4 to 8 inches in some places in the last 90 days.