While no mandatory restrictions are in place, a drought watch has been issued by state officials.
A drought watch has been issued for Clinton, Essex, and Franklin counties as well as 17 other New York counties. The action was taken by the DEC after consulting with the Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies. The State is encouraging residents in affected counties--particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells--to conserve water whenever possible. A watch is the first of four levels of drought advisories. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch.