Cattaraugus and Allegany counties are under a drought watch as dry conditions continue into September.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that these counties were among the 30 added to the state’s drought watch this week, bringing the total to 50.
Low rainfall, stream flows and groundwater levels over the past three months prompted the expansion.
The advisories for Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties are at the lowest level with no mandatory restrictions are in place, but state officials and local water suppliers are urging residents to voluntarily conserve water, especially those who rely on private wells.
Comments