Capital Region Counties Added to New York’s Expanding Drought Watch

Drought Watch in the Capital Region

We don’t want to alarm anybody…but here’s one more thing to add to your list today: a drought watch.

On Wednesday, New York State expanded its drought watch list to cover 50 of the state’s 62 counties, including much of Upstate New York.

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That means places like Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Washington, Warren, and plenty more are now officially on notice.

What Should We Do?

Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are urging New Yorkers to conserve water wherever possible.

This includes turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth, using sprinklers sparingly, and considering skipping the car wash this weekend. There are no restrictions yet, just a heads-up.
Read More: Upstate NY Teacher on Leave for Remarks Made about Charlie Kirk 

The Reason?

State officials say this summer has been much drier than usual.

According to the National Weather Service, Syracuse, for example, saw only 7.75 inches of rain from June through August. Compare that to 13.5 inches last summer, and more than 16 inches in 2023.

Do You Use a Private Well?

Officials advise that those relying on private wells should exercise caution. The drought “watch” is the lowest of four advisory levels, and sources indicate that it can progress to a warning, emergency, or disaster if conditions worsen.

For now, no burn bans or fire restrictions are in place, though individual towns could impose their own rules if they feel it’s necessary.

For more water-saving tips, visit DEC's Water Use & Conservation webpage.