DEC monitoring 15 NY state counties for possible drought

By WNYT

There is a drought watch in effect for 15 counties in New York, some of them in the Capital Region.

This is because of the lack of rain and low levels of streamflow and ground water.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation released a map of the drought index.

Many of the counties downstate are under a drought watch. However, some near our region, including Schoharie, Greene, Delaware, and Ulster counties, are also affected.

The DEC is encouraging everyone in the affected counties to conserve water as much as possible in the coming weeks.