UPDATE: Burn Ban In New York State Now In Place

UPDATE: Due to Increased Fire Risk, Governor Hochul Implements Temporary Statewide Burn Ban

This has to be one of the driest stretches that we have had in a long time here in Western New York. Even though we did see some rain in September, it feels like everything is very dry. According to New York State, there are areas that are dealing with some significant drought conditions and are under a warning.

Many of us take the water we get from our kitchen faucets for granted. You simply get a glass or bottle, turn the handle, and boom... water! But there is so much that goes into getting the water we drink to our homes, and so much that goes into making sure that water is safe to drink.

Do you think you could survive if you had to find your own water or try to purify your own water? There are some who like to hike or camp and may have the knowledge to get by on the water they find in a stream, spring or lake. But for the majority of people, it it the water that is pumped to us that we need.

According to the latest drought monitor, there are a few counties in New York State that are in the warning zone.

What is a drought warning?

The New York State DEC has a very informative website that helps to clarify the drought. A  "warning" is the second of four levels of State drought advisories. Under a Drought Warning, voluntary water conservation is intensified, and public water supplies and industries are advised to update and implement local drought contingency plans. Local agencies make plans in case of an emergency declaration".

The current map shows that much of the Adirondack area and the Southern Tier counties are in the "warning" zone, and the rest of the state is in the "watch" zone.

The forecast calls for more sunshine and warm conditions to start October!