New York Expands Drought Watch to Over 30 Counties

A drought watch in New York has now expanded to cover over 30 counties, including all in the Hudson Valley, NY.

Last month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to issue a drought watch for 20 counties across the state. The drought watch issued on August 29, 2025, for Chautauqua, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Monroe, Nassau, Suffolk, and more (full list below) asked residents to do what they can to conserve water.

Drought Watch in Most of New York

The DEC announced the drought watch, which is the first of four levels of state drought advisories, after consulting with the New York State Drought Management Task Force and federal partners, following a dry summer season and lower-than-normal water levels across New York. The drought watch doesn't impose mandatory water restrictions, instead, it asks residents in the affected counties to voluntarily conserve water.

Drought Watch Expands to Include the Hudson Valley

A few days after the first drought was announced, the DEC expanded it to include 32 other counties across New York, including the Hudson Valley, NY.

They announced on Facebook on Wednesday September 10th, 2025, stating that the following counties have been added to the drought watch originally declared on August 29th: Albany, Allegany, Cattaraugus, Columbia, Cayuga, Chemung, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, lower Herkimer, Livingston, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Sullivan, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wyoming, and Yates.

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New York is encouraging residents in the affected counties, especially folks who use private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible over the next few weeks. "By voluntarily reducing water usage, and being extra careful with fire and outdoor flames, New Yorkers can help conserve our natural resources," said the DEC.

How to Conserve Water in New York

The DEC shared some simple tips we can follow to help conserve water during the drought watch, including,

• Water lawns only when necessary and choose watering methods that avoid waste. 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
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
• Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses, and faucets
• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry
• Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub only partway
• Install water-saving plumbing fixtures
• Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold
• Wash cars less frequently