Delaware’s drought watch has been lifted.
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has officially lifted the state’s drought watch, nearly 10 months after it was first declared in response to widespread dry conditions and below-average rainfall in 2024.
The decision follows a recommendation from the state’s Water Supply Coordinating Council (WSCC) and the Governor’s Drought Response Committee, which confirmed that water conditions—including precipitation, soil moisture, streamflow, and groundwater levels—have returned to normal for this time of year, especially in northern areas like New Castle County.
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“Lifting the drought watch is welcome news after nearly a year of dry conditions, and I want to thank every Delawarean who did their part to conserve water,” Governor Meyer said in a statement. “While water conditions have improved, we should carry forward the lesson that water is one of our most precious natural resources, and it’s up to all of us to use it wisely.”
The drought watch was originally issued in late October 2024 by then-Governor John Carney, after a six-month stretch of lower-than-average precipitation left the state’s reservoirs depleted. The dry spell lingered well into 2025, with below-normal rainfall continuing through the first half of the year.
A turning point came in early summer when Delaware began experiencing frequent thunderstorms and sustained nightly rainfall. July brought 5.2 inches of rain—about an inch above the state’s seasonal average—helping recharge water systems statewide.
Secretary of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Greg Patterson, who chairs the WSCC, said conditions steadily improved with the increased rainfall. “While water conservation is always a good practice, we are finally out of the indicators of a possible drought,” he said.
The Department of Agriculture also welcomed the announcement, noting that recent rains arrived at a crucial time for Delaware’s farmers. “Recent rainfall events have helped recharge the soil and groundwater reserves we rely on for agriculture,” said Secretary Don Clifton. “That has put our farmers in a much better position as we head into the height of the growing season.”
During the drought watch, state agencies worked together to improve how Delaware monitors water conditions. The result was a new online platform—Delaware’s Drought Resources and Awareness website—which provides near real-time updates on rainfall, groundwater levels, and other drought-related data. The site also links to resources from the U.S. Drought Monitor and Delaware Geological Survey.
Officials emphasized that even with the drought watch lifted, water conservation remains important. Residents can learn more about responsible water use and drought preparedness by visiting de.gov/drought or the EPA’s WaterSense program.
Raised in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Jarek earned a B.A. in journalism and a B.A. in political science from Temple University in 2021. After running CNN’s Michael Smerconish’s YouTube channel, Jarek became a reporter for the Bucks County Herald before joining Delaware LIVE News.
Jarek can be reached by email at jarek@dimgrey-peafowl-504880.hostingersite.com or by phone at (215) 450-9982. Follow him on Twitter @jarekrutz and on LinkedIn.
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