Summer drought leaves Dutchess County dry

DUTCHESS COUNTY — According to the news, there are drought conditions taking place across the globe this summer — some extreme.

In the United States, terrible fires have raged in the West due to extremely dry conditions, with other parts of the nation getting drenched in torrential downpours.

Lake Meade in Nevada dried up this summer while many states in the South have seen flooding of historic proportions. Closer to home, both Massachusetts and Rhode Island have reported being susceptible to statewide drought conditions, as an extreme drought has affected 24.5% of Massachusetts and 33.63% of Rhode Island.

Here at home in Dutchess County, residents have also struggled with a lack of rain, though comparatively the state of New York has weathered the summer relatively safely. The risk of a drought in New York, though, has been a concern with weather that’s impossible to accurately predict or control.

Wassaic resident Dick Sobielo complained of his yard turning brown around July, and remaining so throughout most of the summer. He reported that up until about a week ago, Amenia had not gotten a major rainfall since early July.

He said it’s not just homeowners who have suffered from dry conditions, with withered gardens and burnt lawns, he also worried about local farmers and others dependent on the rain cycle to hydrate fields and animals.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 50.11% of the country is experiencing drought conditions at the moment, as they’re about to say goodbye to summer on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5.

Much of Dutchess County has been in drought-watch mode, which means while water levels are still normal, water restrictions have been suggested. When an area goes into drought mode, it’s the first level reached before declaring a drought, and conditions are considered “abnormally dry.”

Moderate drought is the second level of concern, when crops and pastures begin to suffer some damage.

More water shortages may be down the pike, warned forecasters. Local farming communities are taking head of the possibility of continued drought conditions as a dire warning, as water restrictions may soon be required.

The third level is when a severe drought is experienced, followed by an extreme drought for the fourth level and finally, an exceptional drought as the highest fifth level.

Crop failures and fires are common consequences of such extremely dry conditions. A lesser known fact is that honey production can suffer as a result of a drought, which could mean trouble for the pollination of natural flora, not to mention wildlife.

Governor Kathy Hochul expanded New York’s drought watch on Aug. 22. She said the emergency declaration includes most of the state, excluding the metropolitan area and the Adirondacks. Hochul asked residents to limit unnecessary use of water for things like washing cars, watering lawns, etc., and made a general call to reduce water consumption.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is also urging New Yorkers to be cautions, stressing safety measures be taken when camping, or even cooking, outside. There is a heightened risk of fire with drought conditions, warned the DEC.

The town of Amenia addressed the lack of rain on its municipal website.

“There are no statewide mandatory water-use restrictions currently in place, but residents are strongly encouraged to voluntarily conserve water,” it posted. “The public can make a big difference by reducing [the] watering of lawns and landscaping, reducing the washing of vehicles, and cutting back nonessential uses such as hosing off driveways and sidewalks.”

The message reminded local residents and businesses they should also make efforts to cut back on water usage indoors.

Millbrook Mayor Tim Collopy also offered suggestions in his August newsletter.

“There was a total of only 4-inches of rainfall in the months of June and July this year, which is significantly less than last summer,” he stated. “As a result, the holding tank at the [Millbrook] water plant, which typically has 15-18 inches of water, is now running with 8-12 inches. While this is not yet a cause for alarm, please consider conserving water usage…”

He added that once grass goes dormant — as his has — watering only brings out crab and water grass.

Collopy is hoping for better conditions soon.

“When the cool nights return in the fall, the grass will recover,” he said. “Hopefully rain will replenish our supply before we need to order any restrictions, but anything you can do to reduce water consumption in the meantime will help.”

With summer waning and fall approaching, it’s hoped cooler temperatures will end the drought-like weather.

A number of long-range weather forecasts predict above-average precipitation through October, and hint that the Atlantic hurricane season will be “above normal.” That would end the drought conditions, but could bring buckets full of new problems.