ALBANY COUNTY — The area that includes Albany County is now designated as a “drought watch” region by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation.

On Tuesday, the governor’s office put out a press release saying Kathy Hochul had directed the DEC to issue an updated drought watch after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies.

The watch now includes most New York counties except those located in the Adirondack, Eastern Great Lakes, and New York Metropolitan regions. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.

“While recent rains have helped, severe dry conditions continue to persist across the state,” Hochul said in the release. “New Yorkers should take steps to conserve water whenever possible in the areas now under a designated drought watch. Simple steps to reduce water consumption will be crucial to our efforts to help prevent any increased drought levels.”

A watch is the first of four levels of state drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state drought watch.

“This year’s below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures continue to combine to exacerbate low stream flows, reduced groundwater levels, and ongoing wildfire risk,” said Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos in the release. “DEC will continue to monitor water levels and the environmental impacts of the dry conditions and encourage residents throughout the state to monitor usage and avoid wasting water.”

Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.

The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region.

Observed precipitation has been less than normal with shortfalls of two to six inches common over the last 90 days. The dry weather began in the spring and is beginning to significantly affect other metrics. Stream flows and groundwater levels are well below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have been declining over the past few months and they are not expected to improve in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit.

The National Weather Service outlook for the remainder of the summer predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation. By voluntarily reducing water use, and being careful with fire and outdoor flames, the release said, New Yorkers can help conserve our natural resources during these dry days of summer.

Advice for homeowners

To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow this advice:

— Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;

— Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;

— Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;

— Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and

—  Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.

For more water saving tips, visit DEC’s webpage at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5009.html. For more information about drought in New York, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5011.html.

Wildfire risk

In addition to the drought watch expansion, New York State continues to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to follow the recommendations below to reduce the risk of wildfires.

The majority of New York State, including Albany County, is currently at a “high” risk for fires. Only the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks and the northern part of New York along the St. Lawrence River are labeled at “moderate” risk.

Nowhere in the state is labeled at “low” risk for fire or at “very high” or “extreme” risk.

Any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up, the DEC warns; campfires are among the top five causes of wildfires.

While camping in the backcountry, New Yorkers are advised to:

— Use existing campfire rings where possible;

— Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;

— Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials;

— Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly; and

— Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.