REGION — Sullivan is one of 15 counties in New York State that have been placed under a drought watch as of early November. 

Delaware and Orange are also on the list, as well as the New York City area. The rest of the state is normal.

In PA, Pike and Monroe counties are under a drought watch too. Wayne County’s status is normal as of November 10.

A “watch” is the first level to receive a state drought advisory, according to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The state looks at rainfall and streamflows, among other factors, to determine when we’re in a drought.

“There are no statewide mandatory water use restrictions in place under a drought watch, but residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water,” the agency continued.

The National Integrated Drought Information System noted that October 2024 was one of the driest Octobers on record, and the first week in November also brought little rain to the region. “Streamflow, groundwater levels and soil moisture continu[e] to decline.”

Many homes in the region get drinking water from private wells. As engineer Craig Jackson wrote for Size Up, the magazine of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, “As our state dries in time of drought, residential wells and springs are usually the first drinking water resources to run dry.”

If you have a private well and are concerned, you can contact your well driller for advice. Wells can be dug deeper (although that can be expensive). 

You can conserve water while you wait for rain to fall again. The DEC recommends that you:

Don’t run the tap while you wash dishes, brush your teeth or shave. 

Fix dripping or leaking faucets or toilets.

Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.

Take shorter showers or use less water in the bath.

Water your lawn less frequently.

Sweep pathways or your driveway rather than hosing them down.

For more water-saving tips, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. 

Fire risk

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) highlighted an increased risk of wildfires in November along the East Coast. And Sullivan County released a warning from John Hauschild, county fire coordinator, that “outdoor burning is incredibly dangerous.”

 “We’ve had minimal rain over the past few weeks, and vegetation has dried up due to the change in seasons,” Hauschild continued. “The smallest spark could easily set trees and brush aflame. I’m urging everyone to avoid open burning and the consequences that can come with it: callouts of local fire departments, damage to plants and properties, and injuries—including death.”

Campfires, the DEC said, are among the top five risks for wildfires. Clear the area before starting a campfire; do not leave a fire unattended; make sure the fire is not under tree branches and away from steep slopes. 

The National Park Service can advise on safe-campfire practices.

As this is being typed early on November 10, the skies are darkening and rain is predicted overnight. Fingers crossed.

Monitor the drought

In New York, visit www.dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/water/water-quantity/drought.

In PA, visit www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/PlanningConservation/Drought/pages/default.aspx.