NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Mayor Eric Adams declared a drought watch on Saturday as New York City continues to experience a historic lack of rain, and as city agencies update their water-savings plans, the public is also being encouraged to help “conserve every drop possible.”
October saw the second-longest dry streak in city records dating back to 1869, and city officials said that conserving water will slow the depletion of water stored in city reservoirs, postponing or eliminating the threat of a more serious shortage.
According to the city’s Department of Environmental Protection, NYC’s water supply is currently at 65.9% capacity, down from its typical 76.6%, at a time when keeping the reservoir levels high is particularly important. The city is currently in the final stage of an infrastructure repair project to prevent a 35-million-gallon-per-day leak under the Hudson River to help protect the future of the city’s water supply.
“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,” chief of staff and extreme weather coordinator Camille Joseph Varlack said. “Implementing voluntary water conservation measures now can help prevent the need for more stringent restrictions in the future.”
There are three levels of city water conservation declarations, a drought watch being the first. As conditions evolve, the situation could be escalated to a drought warning or drought emergency. In a drought emergency, water conservation requirements would also be escalated at city agencies and for New Yorkers.
Residents are asked to take simple steps to help with water conservation, including taking shorter showers, turning the tap off while brushing teeth or shaving, fixing leaks and only running the dishwasher or washing machine when full.
New Yorkers should also report open fire hydrants—which can release more than 1,000 gallons per minute—to 311.
“Let’s do it together. Mother Nature is in charge, so we must make sure we adjust based on the lack of water and rain we have received,” Adams said in a video announcing the drought watch.
More water saving tips are available on the DEP’s website.