Ten additional counties, including Chautauqua and Cattaraugus, were upgraded from a drought watch to warning in the Great Lakes region on Wednesday.

The counties under the drought warning also include Allegany, northern Cayuga, Chemung, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Franklin, Genesee, Hamilton, Jefferson, northern Herkimer, Lewis, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Steuben, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Wayne.

New York state officials are encouraging all residents, including those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.  “Less than a week after I implemented a statewide burn ban, the drought conditions, even after this week’s rains, are not getting much better and we’re forced to add more counties to the drought warning category,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “It’s important that we keep taking proactive steps to keep communities and farmers safe. Once again, we urge everyone in the state to do what they can to conserve water while this dry weather continues.”

A drought watch or warning is in effect for the entire state except for New York City and Westchester County. Drought conditions in this region are determined by New York City in close coordination with DEC.

There are no mandatory State restrictions under a drought watch or warning. A warning declaration is a notice of impending and imminent severe drought conditions and includes increasing public awareness and voluntary water conservation. Public water supply purveyors and industries are urged to continue to implement local drought contingency plans.

“We encourage everyone to do their part to conserve water while we face these drier than normal conditions,” said Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “The small amount of rain we received recently is not enough to overcome larger water deficits in many areas. Being more careful with water use now can prevent greater effects on our water resources. Whether it’s taking a shorter shower, not watering the lawn, or other smart reduction efforts, we can all do our part to conserve water.”