Casey Seiler in Capitol Confidential reports that the state Department of Environmental Conservation issued on July 15 the first statewide drought watch since 2002, “following consultation with the State Drought Management Task Force and Federal partner agencies,” according to a press release from the DEC. “While most public water supplies are still generally normal throughout the state, below normal precipitation over the last 9 months, low stream flows, and reduced groundwater levels have prompted the need for this action,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “We are encouraging residents throughout the state to conserve water whenever possible during the coming months.” Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.