Mayor Eric Adams and Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) declared as of November 2, 2024 that NYC was under a drought watch, after last month saw the second longest rainless streak in recorded history.
“We encourage all New Yorkers to take this drought watch seriously and conserve water where you can. While water conservation is always essential, it is particularly crucial during extended dry periods, such as those experienced in New York state throughout this fall,” said Chief of Staff and Extreme Weather Coordinator Camille Joseph Varlack.
However, following the red flag warnings in the tristate area, and subsequent wildfires in Prospect Park, Inwood Hill Park, and throughout New Jersey, the mayor has since elevated the drought watch to a drought warning as of Monday, November 18th.
“As our city and watershed continues to experience significant precipitation shortages, today, I’m upgrading our drought watch to a drought warning, pausing our Delaware Aqueduct repair project, and ordering our agencies to immediately implement water saving measures,” said Mayor Adams.
What is a drought watch?
A drought warning is the first of three levels of water conservation declarations by the city. This means that as time goes on, the city can elevate that declaration from a watch to a warning or emergency, which would intensify conservation requirements.
What’s the difference between a drought watch, warning, and emergency?
Drought Watch – No restrictions are mandatory, but conservation efforts are heavily encouraged
Drought Warning – Local authorities can implement voluntary and mandatory conservation efforts
Drought Emergency – Local authorities enforce mandatory conservation efforts
What happens under a drought warning?
According to NYC.gov, water-saving actions in the city might include:
- The New York City Department of Sanitation suspending street flushing activities
- The NYPD and FDNY closing illegally open hydrants
- The NYC Parks Department limiting water fountain usage
- The MTA reduces fleet washing
How much water does NYC use daily?
NYC uses an average of 1.1 billion gallons of water a day. That’s a 35% decrease from the 1.5 daily gallons that were used several decades ago after implementing enhanced management strategies.
Where does NYC’s water come from?
NYC’s water supply comes from the nation’s largest municipal water supply system, sourced from a network of 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes.
If you’ve noticed in the past month that your water has been tasting a little different, that’s because it’s temporarily being sourced from alternative reservoirs as the DEP is undergoing the final stages of the Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project.
How can I conserve water in NYC?
According to the Mayor’s Office, you can help the city conserve water by:
- Reporting open fire hydrants
- Resist from unnecessarily flushing the toilet
- Limit shower time
- Fix leaks
- Wait until dish washer and washing machines are full to run them
- Don’t leave tap water running
- Install water-saving fixtures (low-flow toilets, faucet aerators, etc.)
- Sweep outdoor areas rather than hosing them down
You can find even more ways to conserve water on the DEP’s website.