A Drought Warning has been declared in Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, Cayuga, Oswego, and Jefferson Counties. These areas are currently under a D0-D2 for the drought and dryness categories which means that there has been a prolonged period of dryness resulting in the following impacts:

D0: stunted crop growth, elevated fire danger, and surface water levels declining.  
D1: an increase in wildfires and below normal capacity levels in reservoirs and lakes. 
D2: poor water and air quality, brittle vegetation, and a decrease in ground water. 

For more information about drought stages and monitoring current drought conditions in New York, visit https://www.drought.gov/states/new-york  

Residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water. Local agencies have discretion to initiate mandatory restrictions according to local codes and plans. Local public water suppliers may require conservation measures, depending on local conditions. If you are experiencing a water shortage, please contact your water supplier, local agricultural extension, or local health department. 

There are steps you can take to help conserve water: 

• Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses, and faucets. 
• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. 
• Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub only half of the way. 
• Reuse water collected from rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants. 
• Use a broom to clean driveways and sidewalks, instead of a hose. 
• Don’t run the tap to make water hot or cold. 
• Wash cars less frequently. 

For more information about drought preparedness visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/drought