Drought

For the latest updates on drought conditions, go to the current conditions map.

New York is rich with water resources. 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. But even here, in our "temperate moist" climate, normal fluctuations in regional weather patterns can lead to periods of dry weather. Occasional drought is a normal, recurrent feature of virtually every climate in the United States. The last severe droughts in New York occurred in the mid-1960s, and again in the early and mid-1980s.

Determining Where There is Drought in New York

While most of us know that a drought is a prolonged period of dryness, the definition and information used to formally declare a drought is more complex. Meteorologists and hydrologists have their own precise definitions of drought. When meteorologists talk about drought they are comparing precipitation shortfalls to normal levels. Hydrologists consider stream flow and water levels in aquifers, lakes, and reservoirs along with precipitation. In New York, drought status determinations are based on a State Drought Index that uses New York State specific attributes, so it may differ somewhat from national drought assessments. In addition, local conditions may vary, so some areas of the state may make their own determinations of drought stage using locally-focused criteria. DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific circumstances.

The State Drought Index compares four parameters to historic or "normal" values to evaluate drought conditions: stream flows, precipitation, lake and reservoir storage levels, and groundwater levels. New York's Drought Management Task Force uses those factors as well as water use, duration of the dry period, and season to assess drought in different parts of the state. The State Drought Index helps us assess the impact on water supply, the regional economy, and the environment.

New York also tracks other drought measurements including the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). These other indicators can be used to evaluate the level of soil moisture, which can help us understand potential impacts to agriculture.

Useful links for drought information:

Northeast Regional Climate Center Northeast Drought Early Warning System Dashboard

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Integrated Drought Information System

The Four Drought Stages and What They Mean

Drought Regions

New York is divided into nine drought management regions based roughly on drainage basin (watershed) and county lines. DEC monitors precipitation, lake and reservoir levels, stream flow, and groundwater level at least monthly in each region and more frequently during periods of drought. DEC uses this data to assess the condition of each region, which can range from "normal" to "drought disaster."

Some areas of the state may make their own determinations of drought stage, using different criteria. For example, the New York City system relies largely on upstate reservoirs for its water supply. The City bases its assessment of drought conditions on the probability of the reservoirs being full by the following June.

Current Drought Conditions

Drought Regions I, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII are currently in Drought Watch. Drought Regions II and IIA are in Drought Warning. Drought status determinations are based on a State Drought Index that uses New York State specific attributes, so it may differ somewhat from national drought assessments. In addition, local conditions may vary, so some areas of the state may make their own determinations of drought stage using locally-focused criteria.

A "watch" is the first of four levels of state drought advisories ("watch," "warning," "emergency" and "disaster"). There are no statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place under a drought watch, but residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending upon local needs and conditions.

A warning is the second of four levels of State drought advisories. Under Drought Warning, voluntary water conservation is intensified and public water supplies and industries are advised to update and implement local drought contingency plans. Local agencies make plans in case of emergency declaration. 

New York's drought advisories are intended primarily for guidance to public and private water suppliers and withdrawals. If you are experiencing a water shortage, please contact your water supplier, local agricultural extension, or local health department.

How New York Stays Prepared

Developed and implemented by the New York Drought Management Task Force, the State Drought Management Coordination Annex focuses on research, monitoring and possible legislative actions to help prevent and mitigate impacts from droughts. The Task Force coordinates actions prior to declaration of drought emergency, at which time the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission takes over.

DEC and USGS are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. Data evaluated includes stream discharge, water levels, precipitation, and components from water-quality monitors. This information and additional information from other Federal, State, and local agencies assist the NYSDEC and the State Drought Management Task Force in evaluating regional conditions for determination of drought classifications. The USGS provides data on hydrologic conditions.

Tips for Private Water Well Owners

If your water well has been impacted by drought, see the information and links below. Contact a registered water well contractor to discuss appropriate options for your individual situation.

• Determine whether your well is dry due to drought and not other issues. Sometimes the solution to a dry well is straightforward, like a broken valve or electrical issue. The only way to definitively tell if your well is dry is to measure the water level in the well. This task should be performed by a professional. 
• Conserve water year-round to help prevent the effects of drought on your water well.
  • Water Use and Conservation – The “Saving Water Makes Good Sense” section is particularly helpful for water well owners.
  • Living the Green Life – The “Save Water” section has a lot of tips for how to save water in and around your home.
• Consider adding a water storage tank to help get through dry periods.
• Clean or redevelop your existing well.
• Deepen your existing well or drill a new well. If you drill a new well, properly decommission the old well to protect groundwater quality.

Hauling Potable Water

In times of drought, residential wells and springs are often the first drinking water resources to run dry. It has become common in parts of New York State to truck water to residents in need. This water is often pumped into failing wells in an effort to replace diminishing groundwater. While this may provide some short term relief, it can be a bad practice for several very important reasons. Please read an article titled Hauling Potable Water: Good or Bad? (PDF), excerpted from Size Up, the magazine of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs.

There is another important component to putting water down wells (assuming it is clean and the hauler is properly certified). Federal requirements of the Underground Injection Control (UIC) Program consider placement of water (even potable water) down a well to be underground injection. NYSDOH has an agreement that certified bulk haulers can submit a copy of their NYSDOH monthly operating report (DOH Form 357b) to EPA for any month when they put water down a well, thereby meeting the UIC reporting requirements. If water is placed in a well and not reported to EPA, it is in violation of Federal law.