The Daily Freeman reports that the city of Kingston declared a drought emergency on Aug. 2, with water restrictions. The water level at Cooper Lake reservoir, the city's source of drinking water, is low, and little rain has fallen this summer in the Hudson Valley. The city is ordering all leaks be fixed, and banned washing sidewalks, buildings, driveways, steps, or other outdoor areas. and washing of cars or other vehicles, except for at commercial vehicle washing operations that recycle 50 percent of the water used. Also, fountains, waterfalls, and reflecting pools that do not use recycled water must be turned off. And the watering of lawns, golf courses, or ornamental shrubs, plants, or trees is limited to between 9 and 10 p.m. “With only a few months of water remaining in the reservoir, I urge our residents to do what they can to conserve water in the months ahead,” said Mayor Steve Noble. The drought emergency announcement comes a few weeks after Kingston declared a drought alert on July 14. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that the Hudson Valley is currently "Abnormally Dry." Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.