Health Department Warns about Increasing Respiratory Illnesses

Tips to Protect Residents This Holiday Season

BREWSTER, NY—The holiday season is here…and so are contagious respiratory illnesses. This year there is a triple threat: high circulating levels of flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. Everyone is familiar with the first two, and safe and effective vaccines are available for both. RSV may be less familiar, but it has been around for decades. RSV vaccines are being developed, but none are currently available. 

This year’s spike in RSV cases has attracted lots of attention. As a common respiratory illness, it usually has seasonal peaks in colder months. This year increases started in the summer and levels now are already exceeding the higher numbers typically seen later in RSV season. For healthy adults, symptoms are like the common cold, most often a runny nose and cough. In very young children, especially those born preterm or with underlying lung conditions, and older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems, it can cause serious illness and lead to pneumonia.  

Flu cases also started earlier than usual and with greater numbers. This mirrors what was seen in the southern hemisphere, which experts use to predict what may happen in the north. So far, predictions of an early and severe flu season are holding true for New York and the rest of the country.   

“Residents hearing stories on the news about high levels of respiratory illness around the country should be aware that this is also true in Putnam County,” reports the health department’s epidemiologist, Alison Kaufman, DVM, MPH. “COVID cases remain steady at about 150 per week, and in the last reporting week we saw cases of flu more than double from 39 up to 98 cases.”   

“The good news is that there are a number of things we can do to protect ourselves and our families,” said Kathleen Percacciolo, RN, supervising public health nurse. “Flu and COVID vaccines are available through pharmacies, healthcare providers, and here at the department of health as well.” 

The health department has a clinic with flu shots available on Thursday, December 1, at the health department office at 1 Geneva Road in Brewster. Appointments must be made and are available from 3 to 4 p.m. Bivalent COVID boosters may be available as well depending on overall demand. For information and to schedule a time, call 845-808-1390, x43230.  

Public health initiatives work to address barriers to accessing basic healthcare, including vaccinations. Clinics are also held in the Village of Brewster, supported by the NYSDOH Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker (MSFW) program which ensures eligible residents receive access to vital vaccinations, while helping to address vaccine equity. The next MSFW clinic is scheduled on November 22, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Brewster Methodist Church, at 83 Main Street. The following MSFW clinic will be held on December 13, at its regular location, 121 Main Street. For more information on the MSFW program or to check eligibility, call the health department at the same number, 845-808-1390, x 43230.  

With holiday gatherings nearly here, it’s important to get flu and COVID shots soon. The best immunity is achieved about two weeks after each injection. There are other precautions that work well too…stay home when you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of used tissues, and practice good hand hygiene. Keeping windows open for good air circulation helps also. 

“If symptoms develop for any respiratory illness, especially if they are severe, contact your health care provider right away,” added Ms. Percacciolo. “Your provider can help you with providing a diagnosis and care.” For those without quick access to a physician or other healthcare provider, a visit to the emergency department is necessary if severe symptoms are present or worsen. 

Other prevention tips for RSV and respiratory viruses, including COVID and the flu, are ones everyone by now is very familiar with—social distancing and masking in crowded settings. These are particularly important for people living with newborns, very young children, and the elderly or immune-compromised.  

To relieve any symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control recommends over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Aspirin should never be given to children, and it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before giving children any over-the-counter cold medicines because some ingredients are not good for children.) Also drink enough fluids to prevent loss of body fluids and dehydration. 

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), is to improve and protect the health of the entire Putnam County community, composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are provided through a lens of equity, and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit our county website at www.putnamcountyny.com, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY. 

Peekskill Hollow Road Reconstruction Update

Update: 11/16/22

Peekskill Hollow Rd. and Lovers Ln Culvert Replacement Status:

As of today (11/16), the Contractor has indicated that Peekskill Hollow Rd. should be reopened later this week (Friday 11/18). This past weekend, they encountered some difficulties with the high stream flows and their water diversion system, which essentially flooded the entire excavation area and set them back a few days. These issues are being resolved and work is continuing to move forward. All travelers who normally use this route should follow the appropriately signed detour. Thank you for your patience.

 Update: 11/1/22

The Contractor is continuing work on the east side of the Oscawana Lake Rd. bridge within the Oregon Corners intersection. On Tuesday (11/8) the bridge will be completely closed to traffic in order to safely install sections of the new bridge. All travelers who normally use the bridge carrying Oscawana Lake Rd. and Old Oregon Rd. should follow the appropriately signed detour route used for the previous closures.

Please also be advised that beginning on Thursday (11/10), Peekskill Hollow Rd. will be closed to through traffic at the Lovers Ln. intersection for the culvert demolition and replacement. This work is scheduled to take 4-5 days with the road scheduled to be reopened on Monday morning (11/14). We will provide a more detailed reopening timeframe once more information becomes available. All travelers who normally use this route should follow the appropriately signed detour. Thank you for your patience in this matter.

Update: 10/26/22

Temporary Bridge Closure at the Peekskill Hollow Rd. and Peekskill Hollow Turnpike Intersection:

The Contractor is continuing its work on the Alt 1 (Doad Tompkins) bridge located 0.4 miles southwest of Putnam Valley High School. On Monday (10/31) the bridge will be completely closed to thru traffic from 8:30am-2:30pm in order to safely install sections of the new bridge. All local residents who normally use this bridge carrying Peekskill Hollow Rd. should follow the appropriately signed detour route. Thank you for your continued patience on this matter.

Update: 10/4/22

The Contractor has resumed their work as of Monday, 9/26.  Progress is proceeding in accordance with the revised schedule provided. The Putnam County project team will continue to monitor progress and assist with any issues which may arise.

Update: 9/26/22

The Peekskill Hollow Rd. reconstruction project is scheduled to resume this week. This Department has come to an agreement with the Contractor and has implemented additional support measures to expedite the remaining work, especially the bridge safety concerns as we approach the winter months. Maintaining the safety of the travelling public is and always will be of the utmost importance in developing this important infrastructure improvement project.

Update: 6/7/22

In order to mitigate the ongoing pothole issues on the Oscawana Lake Rd. bridge, the Contractor will be installing steel plates on Wednesday (6/8). This work will require a full bridge closure from 8AM until 2:30PM and during this time, the bridge will be completely closed to traffic. All local residents who normally use the bridge carrying Oscawana Lake Rd and Old Oregon Rd. should follow the appropriately signed detour route used for the previous closure. Thank you for your patience on this matter.

Update: 5/6/22

Temporary Bridge Closure at the Peekskill Hollow Rd. and Peekskill Hollow Turnpike Intersection :

The Contractor is continuing the demolition work on the Alt 1 (Doad Tompkins) bridge located 0.4 miles southwest of Putnam Valley High School. On Thursday (5/12) and potentially Friday (5/13), the bridge will be completely closed to thru traffic from 8:30am-2:30pm in order to safely remove sections of the old bridge. All local residents who normally use this bridge carrying Peekskill Hollow Rd. should follow the appropriately signed detour route. Thank you for your continued patience on this matter.

Update: 4/6/22

Oregon Corners Bridge at Peekskill Hollow Rd. and Oscawana Lake Rd. Intersection:

Utility work is expected to resume on Friday (4/8) at the Oscawana Lake Rd. and Peekskill Hollow Rd. intersection. The proposed work will include the placement of a temporary pole adjacent to the intersection. This pole is meant to accommodate traffic lights, electrical power, and cable wiring while the bridge and intersection rehabilitation work continues. The Contractor may be required to temporarily stop traffic if any safety issues arise, but these will be short and infrequent.

On Monday (4/11) and Tuesday (4/12) of next week, a lane closure will be implemented within the same intersection to safely move the traffic lights, electrical power, TV/internet and to install stabilizing guy wires. Travelers should abide by the work zone traffic control measures and the personnel responsible for enforcing them.

Alt 1 Bridge at the Peekskill Hollow Rd. and Peekskill Hollow Turnpike Intersection:

The demolition work on the Alt 1 bridge located 0.4 miles southwest of the high school is proceeding on schedule with the temporary traffic signals functioning as intended for the single lane bypass. These will be active for the duration of the bridge rehabilitation. The Contractor has notified us of future short-term full bridge closures, for which we will give advanced notice when presented with exact dates and timeframes. Locals shall follow the appropriately signed detour route during these events.

The Putnam County Highway Department thanks the residents of Putnam Valley for their continued patience and understanding while we progress this important infrastructure improvement project.

 

Update: 2/1/22

The Contractor is continuing the deck demolition work on the east side of the Oscawana Lake Rd. bridge. On Tuesday (2/8) and Wednesday (2/9), the bridge will be completely closed to traffic. All local residents who normally use the bridge carrying Oscawana Lake Rd and Old Oregon Rd. should follow the appropriately signed detour route used for the previous closure. Thank you for your patience on this matter.

The Contractor has also installed temporary traffic signals on either side of the bridge located between Marsh Hill Rd. and Peekskill Hollow Turnpike. These traffic signals will be in used when bridge work commences at this location. Until then the lights will remain covered and there will be no changes to the traffic pattern there. The bridge is located approximately 0.4 miles southwest of the Putnam Valley High School/Middle School entrance and 0.6 miles northeast of the Oscawana Lake Rd. bridge.

 

Over 100 Hudson Valley Residents Attend Film’s Premiere: Loneliness and Resilience Take Centerstage

CARMEL, NY–Last week, more than 60 Putnam residents gathered in Carmel and dozens more watched remotely from the Poughkeepsie Public Library to view an inspiring documentary “All The Lonely People.” Participants from both locations stayed on afterwards to talk with the filmmakers Joseph Applebaum and Stu Maddox. They headlined the panel discussion in the Putnam County auditorium at the Bureau of Emergency Services and answered questions about how their film came to be and what changes they hope it will launch. It was part of two-month, 20-county tour in New York State for their film, which was created to spur social change.

Loneliness and social isolation have been the topic of health research for decades and surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murthy began calling it an epidemic more than two years before the pandemic began. The film was also well into production before the world encountered COVID, the filmmakers explained. The film’s urgency grew of course, as it tells the story of how for the past two years, a handful of people overcame crippling social isolation and loneliness with breathtaking stories of resilience. Despite the film’s poignancy, in introducing the film the creators expressed hope that the discussions afterwards would be as beneficial as the film itself.

Loneliness is a natural part of the human experience, explained Eric Toth, who was part of the panel discussion. Mr. Toth is executive director of CoveCare, a Putnam County mental health and addiction counseling services group. When loneliness is chronic and debilitating, it becomes problematic, often cited as being as detrimental to one’s health as obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness should also be viewed through the lens of health equity. Certain populations including LGBTQ populations, and both youth and the elderly are at higher risk for serious loneliness that affects health and quality of life.

Michael Cunningham, director of the Putnam County Office for Senior Resources, who was instrumental in bringing the film to Putnam, and Shanna Siegel, supervising public health educator at the Putnam County Department of Health, also participated in the discussions. Mr. Cunningham pointed out that how much has changed in our way of life in the last two to three generations and this has resulted in many struggling with loneliness, made that much more critical by COVID.

Despite the challenge and inherent sadness of the pandemic, the film portrayed the clear call of resilience. Numerous “loneliness life hacks” appeared throughout the film such as connecting with nature or expressing gratitude, all of which have social research and history of success to back them up. A question from the Poughkeepsie audience asked about low-cost interventions that local governments could easily implement. One suggestion touted in the discussions was the “chat bench,” which offers a seat to someone who is open to a conversation from a passerby. Another mentioned by Shanna Siegel described a multigenerational program “seniors helping seniors” that put seniors seeking online COVID vaccine registration in touch with tech-savvy high school seniors who helped them register.

Many things can cause loneliness and while it may be different for individuals, many experiences commonly affect people. For more information on these factors and to see a list of all twelve “loneliness life hacks,” visit the website of the production company the Clowder Group, at https://www.allthelonelypeoplefilm.com/.
The Putnam County Office for Senior Resources serves the seniors of Putnam County, providing senior center programs, nutritious lunches, transportation, home-delivered meals, recreation, and other services that address the social determinants of health and support seniors living at home as independently as possible.

Carmel Man Convicted Of Domestic Violence Assault

CARMEL, NEW YORK – October 21, 2022 – District Attorney Robert Tendy announced today that Carmel resident Jeff Hanlon was convicted at trial for assaulting his wife with a crowbar on December 17, 2020.

Hanlon had been verbally and physically abusing his wife for two days when she attempted to leave the residence. As she was leaving, he hit her in the back of the head with a crowbar which left a large cut to the back of her head. She was eventually able to leave the residence and fled to her father’s house in Pelham where the Pelham and Carmel Police Department responded. Hanlon was arrested that night and has been in jail since.

The trial began on Monday, October 17 before the Hon. Anthony Mole. Midway through trial on Thursday, October 20, Hanlon pled guilty to Attempted Assault in the First Degree, a class C felony. He will serve eight years in State prison with five years post release supervision.

The case was personally brought to trial by District Attorney Robert Tendy. “Preventing domestic violence and bringing to justice those who perpetuate it is one of my top priorities. It can leave a lifetime of psychological scars on the victims and their families. In this case the victim was very brave and cooperated with the prosecution despite understandable personal fear.”

District Attorney Tendy thanks Carmel PD Investigator Brian Forde, Detective Sgt. Mike Nagle (Ret.), and Putnam County Sheriff’s Investigator Corinne Pitt, all of whom worked very hard to put together a strong case for trial. “I was so impressed with their professionalism. They all did a great job on this case,” Tendy said.

22-05 PUTNAM DA PRESS RELEASE – Jeff Hanlon

Protect Public Health—Get Your Flu Shot

Dozens of Putnam County employees decided to step up today and protect public health—they got their annual flu shot, protecting themselves, their families and friends, and their communities. The occasion was the health department’s first and only employee flu clinic of the season.

It’s not too early to get a flu shot even though the “official start” of the flu season isn’t until October 2. New York State Department of Health already reports more than a 40 percent rise in cases last week, and news from the southern hemisphere, where experts look for a preview, show the worst flu season in five years. Remember also that it takes two weeks to build effective immunity after the vaccine.

Three public flu clinics are currently planned as well, including the first next Monday, September 26, from 2 to 6:30pm. It is a drive-thru flu clinic at the main health department office at 1 Geneva Road. A second drive-thru clinic at the health department location is scheduled for October 17 in the same time slot, and a non-drive-thru event will be held on October 12 at the Garrison Fire Department, from 2 to 6:30pm.

All public flu clinics require appointments and can be made at
www.putnamcountyny.com/seasonalfluclinic.

Consent forms must be completed and signed prior to the clinic, and presented at the time of the clinic, along with proof of residency (Driver’s License). Consent forms will not be available at the clinic and are available at www.putnamcountyny.com/health/immunization/#flu.

Cost of the flu vaccine is $25. For persons age 65 and older or with a Medicare card, flu vaccine will be free. High dose flu vaccine will be available for those 65 and older.

Pneumonia vaccine will not be available at clinics this year.All residents must remain in their vehicles at ALL times for Drive-Thru clinics with a face covering. Social/physical distancing and face covering are required. Short sleeves are necessary for vaccine administration. NO MASK – NO SHOT.

For questions call the Putnam County Department of Health Immunization Program at 845-808-1332.

Health Department Advises Emergency Prep: Small Steps Can Ease Anxiety and Improve Recovery Later 

Thinking about and planning for emergencies and disasters can be overwhelming, but a few small steps can go a long way to help residents be more prepared. Every September the Putnam County Department of Health recognizes National Preparedness Month and encourages everyone to take some basic but important steps. Having a basic emergency supply kit, an identified meeting place and an emergency plan specific to the needs of the individual’s family are all ways to start or improve one’s planning. 

“Many times, people delay or resist planning or preparing because feelings of fear and uncertainty. These can arise just at the thought of dealing with an emergency situation,” says Connie Bueti, the emergency preparedness coordinator who works for the health department. “However, preparing an emergency kit can help ease these feelings. We always encourage individuals and families to be informed and take steps to be prepared. Small steps help in achieving reachable goals.”  

Each week throughout the month of September, the health department will be sharing emergency preparedness tips. Follow along on social media for a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for you and your family.  The health department website also identifies some of the more common emergencies situations specific to our area, usually related to extreme weather. The site can be a great place to find emergency preparedness practices. 

Other great resources include Ready.gov and FEMA.gov which have general resources and materials to assist individuals and families build an emergency preparedness plan, including things like what documents to collect for emergencies and what forms of assistance may be available in times of emergency. Both sites provide standard fillable forms that address safety and health aspects that may be impacted during an emergency. In addition, read over the emergency plan checklist for other ideas at https://www.putnamcountyny.com/emergency-plan-checklist/.  

This September is the 18th anniversary of National Preparedness month, launched by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of 9/11. The organization, commonly called “FEMA,” has designated the 2022 theme as “A Lasting Legacy,” to recognize that by being prepared one can help ensure a swifter and more efficient recovery. This can bring more peace of mind and a better life now, as well as a more stable legacy for your family. 

Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Event on October 15

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day for Putnam County residents is on Saturday, October 15 from 9am to 12pm at Fahnestock State Park, Canopus Beach Parking Lot, 1498 Route 301, Kent, NY. Pre-Registration is required. Please visit our website at www.putnamcountyny.com/health/recycling#haz to schedule your appointment. Please bring your confirmation email with you to the event. For more information call (845) 808-1390 ext. 43125.

Please place all materials to be discarded in rearmost compartment or trunk of your vehicle.

Health Department Receives Limited Supply of Monkeypox Vaccine

Earlier this month, the New York State Department of Health expanded eligibility for the Monkeypox vaccine, and the Putnam County Department of Health has received a limited supply of the Jynneos vaccine.

Monkeypox can be a serious disease and can spread to anyone by personal, close contact—often skin-to-skin contact—with the virus. It can also spread through respiratory droplets, intimate contact and touching fabrics of an infected individual such as sheets and towels.

Individuals who may be at risk of future exposure, even if they are not at high risk of a recent exposure, are being encouraged to call the Putnam County Department of Health to discuss vaccination. This expanded eligibility is in addition to those with known recent exposure and those at high risk of recent exposure. These individuals should work with their local health department and healthcare provider to obtain the vaccine as soon as possible.

If you think you may be at risk for contracting monkeypox, please call the health department at 845-808-1332. You can schedule an appointment and discuss eligibility with a nurse.

Learn more about monkeypox at www.health.ny.gov/monkeypox.

For more info about vaccine distribution: https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2022/2022-09-14_monkeypox_vaccine_eligibility.htm

What Tilly Foster Farm and Educational Institute Means to the Community

If anyone doubts how much the Tilly Foster Farm and Educational Institute means to the community, they should talk to Alison Junquera.

Junquera’s son, Drew, attends the Culinary Arts Program at Tilly Foster, which teaches special needs students the skills needed in the food service industry. Drew, 18, spent this summer interning at Bacio, an Italian restaurant in Westchester.

“My son has autism,” Junquera said at a meeting of the Physical Services Committee of the Putnam County Legislature on August 25. “Because of the farm and the BOCES program, he now has an opportunity for a fulfilling career. He has a focus and a sense of purpose. I am here tonight to tell you how grateful I am for this program and how wonderful it has been for my son and for all the students involved.”

During the meeting Thursday at The Barn at Tilly Foster, officials from Putnam County and its partner non-profit agencies spoke about the history of the farm, its importance to the environment, the many community-focused activities that it provides and how Tilly Foster has boosted Putnam County tourism.

Tilly Foster has become a destination farm, said Tracey Walsh, Putnam’s director of tourism, who noted that the farm draws visitors from throughout the tri-state area.

“Agritourism has the ability to put a small town, or a small county like Putnam, on the map,” Walsh said at the committee meeting. “Research has shown that a tourist will travel up to 200 miles to visit a destination farm. Families come here, they visit with the animals, see the garden and the art, fish, shop at Jar Worthy, picnic and unplug – except for the obligatory Instagram post.”

They also come for the summer concert series, which farm General Manager Katie Hanrahand said brought in a record-setting 7,500 visitors this year; for weddings, which are booked through 2024; and for dining at Tilly’s Table.

But Tilly Foster hasn’t always been this popular. Putnam County bought the farm in 2002 to protect its nearly 200 acres from becoming a condominium development, John Tully, Putnam’s deputy commissioner of highways, told the committee. The purchase was made using Water Quality Funds from the East of Hudson watershed agreement with New York City.

Initially, the county leased the land to a non-profit farm and educational museum, but in 2014, under Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell’s leadership, the county took over management of the farm.

The Odell administration asked the public what it wanted to see take place at the property. Residents formed subcommittees on agriculture, health and education, business and economic development, soil and water, infrastructure and tourism.

“That’s how we got the farm we have today, with its infrastructure restored, its diverse offerings for people of all ages and its wonderful experiences,” County Executive Odell said after the meeting. “We simply listened to the public and we did what they wanted. The groups were smart and forward-thinking, and I’m grateful for their vision. ”

Chris Ruthven, Putnam County’s deputy commissioner of parks, told the committee about partnering with the Watershed Agricultural Council to ensure water quality and creating a working landscape that is focused on conservation. The county restored the pond on the property and stocked it with fish that kids can catch and release. The county is in the process of acquiring an additional 135 acres.

“We’ve been very good stewards of this land,” Ruthven said. “This is a showcase for different techniques and a model for other landowners.”

The garden at Tilly Foster provides vegetables and herbs for Tilly’s Table Restaurant, the county Office for Senior Resources and a farmstand for the public, Lisa Walker, farm administrator, said. Walker doesn’t only oversee the farm, which grows dozens of varieties of vegetables, she looks after the farm’s many animals, including Alpaca, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Kunekune Pigs, Ducks, Sardinian Donkeys and Percheron Horses – and works with Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES’ Animal Care program at Tilly Foster.

Like BOCES’ Culinary Arts Program, the Animal Care Program prepares special needs students for careers, said Catherine Balestrieri, director of Career and Technical Education at PNW BOCES. Students can go on to work at veterinary offices, farms or in pet services.

Balestrieri said that BOCES is also considering other career-focused programs for Tilly Foster.

Putnam County has also partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension, which has hosted the Farm Agribusiness Summit and Open House on the Farm and the Master Gardener Plant Sale at Tilly Foster. It has also created a Pollinator Pathway, and runs a sustainable beekeeping operation, selling its honey at Jar Worthy, the candle and apothecary shop at the farm.

“More than 4,300 people from Brooklyn to Ohio and Utica to New Jersey have come to learn with CCE at Tilly Foster Farm,” said Stefanie Hubert, Executive Director Cornell Cooperative Extension, Putnam County.

Cornell has plans to expand at Tilly Foster, including creating a food forest and a zero-energy greenhouse and offering classes on food preservation and composting.

“The money the farm generates offsets the cost of running it,” Committee Chairman Carl L. Albano said. “But the value of this farm is about more than money. Our community deserves something like this.”

County Executive Odell, who plans to step down at the end of this year said she has high hopes for the future of Tilly Foster.

“I hope that the farm and educational center will continue to evolve, to work with our partners to best serve our community, provide fun activities and keep our families connected to nature.”

Putnam County Deals with Severe Drought

Most of Putnam County is experiencing a “severe drought.” That’s according to the U.S. Drought Monitor at www.droughtmonitor.unl.edu

“This is a serious concern for drinking water supplies in Putnam County,” comments the Putnam County Department of Health’s environmental health director Shawn Rogan. “For public water sources, our staff maintain communications with water supply providers and are kept informed of any water use restrictions that are needed to conserve water.”

Mr. Rogan continues, explaining that, “Collaboration and open communication between the private and public sectors is vital. Water supply providers also directly advise municipalities when water supply plants are being overtaxed. Town engineers then inspect facilities to rule out any structural issues, and the town moves forward with either voluntary or mandatory water preservation interventions. When a municipality takes action to curtail water usage, the health department updates NYSDOH. Each of these steps is key ensure residents’ access to drinking water remains uninterrupted.”

Many Putnam County residents however have their own wells that pump water to their homes. Joseph Paravati, P.E., supervisor of engineering at the health department, details what a drought means for those with wells, saying, “For private wells, which are not regulated by the local health department, we are not permitted to take action to restrict water usage. With the current and prolonged drought, we are urging residents with well-water more than usual to be sure to fix any leaking plumbing fixtures such as toilets or dripping faucets.” Mr. Paravati also emphasizes that, “It is extremely helpful to refrain from washing motor vehicles, structures, and driveways, and to limit or discontinue lawn and garden irrigation until the drought ends.”

These small changes can be done by anyone—regardless of their water source. When many make the effort together, it can make a big difference to conserve water, a valuable—and don’t forget… a finite resource.

The Drought Monitor is produced through a partnership between the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.