Delaware Faces Drought Watch: Water Restrictions Loom

Delaware is now under an official statewide drought watch, declared by Governor Matt Meyer on June 4th, following nine months of significantly below-normal rainfall. This marks the second drought declaration in The First State in three years. State officials are strongly encouraging voluntary reductions in water consumption, advising residents to limit outdoor watering and to use non-potable water sources when available. The drought watch is the first of three escalating stages, with a drought warning and then a drought emergency signaling increasing risk and potential mandatory water restrictions.

This declaration comes after an assessment by the Delaware Water Supply Coordinating Council (WSCC), which noted sharp drops in water supplies over the past eight to ten months. While northern New Castle County's major reservoirs remain stable, officials express concern over reduced stream flow, which is crucial for replenishing these supplies. Experts base drought determinations on precipitation, groundwater levels, soil moisture, and stream flow. Approximately .5 inches of rain are expected this weekend, but the WSCC estimates Delaware needs about 21 inches of rain over the next three months to restore water levels to normal. An annual open-burning ban also remains in effect through September 30th, with cautions for fire prevention due to dry conditions.