Delaware Drought Watch: Here's What You Need to Do

State of DE - Delaware is officially under a drought watch, and state leaders are asking everyone to step up and help.

Governor Matt Meyer declared the statewide drought watch after getting guidance from the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council. The watch covers all three counties, but Kent and Sussex are feeling the effects the most. This is the second time in three years the state has found itself in this situation.

The drought watch is in effect until further notice.

Here's how serious things are. The state would need to receive 21 inches of rainfall over the next three months - during summer, when evaporation is at its highest - just to get water supplies back to normal. That's a tall order.

DNREC Secretary Greg Patterson didn't mince words about it. "Given how sharply water supply levels have dropped in many parts of the state over the last eight to 10 months, we urge Delawareans to take it very seriously," Patterson said. "Whatever Delawareans can do to personally help alleviate the current strain on our water supply is appreciated."

For now, conservation is voluntary. State officials are asking residents and non-farm businesses to cut back on water where they can. That means watering your lawn less, and if you have access to non-drinkable water, using that on grass and turf instead of tap water.

There's also a legal piece to keep in mind. Delaware's open burning ban runs through September 30. That means no bonfires, no controlled burns, and no burning of leaves or yard waste. The State Fire Marshal is also reminding people to properly dispose of cigarettes and matches and to avoid parking on dry grass.

A drought watch is the first of three possible levels. A drought warning comes next if conditions get worse, followed by a drought emergency, which would bring mandatory water restrictions.

Right now, major reservoirs in northern New Castle County are still within normal range. But low stream flows in that area are being watched closely - those streams are what refill the reservoirs.

State officials and the WSCC will keep monitoring conditions and will update the public if things escalate. The message for now is simple: every little bit of conservation helps.