Asking New Yorkers to Step Up and Save Water During Drought Watch
Mayor Eric Adams has declared a drought watch, urging New Yorkers to conserve water as the city’s reservoirs are at a historically low level.
What is a Drought Watch?
A drought watch is the first of three levels in the city’s advisory system. It is a signal for the public to avoid wasting water and for government agencies to prepare plans to reduce water consumption. A drought watch can escalate to a drought warning, at which point city agencies would implement those plans. The highest tier of the advisory system is a drought emergency, which would bring mandatory restrictions on water use. The city is "probably a couple of months away" from an emergency, according to Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol.
How Can I Save Water? Will it Actually Make a Difference?
New Yorkers use about 1 billion gallons of water per day. Mindfully using water can add up to millions of gallons saved. Here are some tips:
- Report leaky fire hydrants to 311
- Take shorter showers and don’t fill the tub all the way for baths
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full
- Hold off washing cars and watering lawns
- Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth
- Don’t use toilets as trash disposals
- Install water-efficient showerheads and low-flow toilets
- Fix running toilets and other in-home leaks
Keep in mind that dishwashers and professional car washes are more water-efficient than hosing down a car in a driveway or washing dishes by hand.
Has This Happened Before?
The last time DEP issued a drought watch was in December 2001, with reservoir storage levels at 44%. By the spring of 2002, Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared a drought emergency and imposed mandatory water conservation measures, including bans on washing cars, spraying sidewalks with hoses, and watering lawns. The city issued fines to violators caught by enforcement agents. It worked: New Yorkers reduced their consumption of water, on some days, by as much as 50 million gallons. As luck would have it, rain fell too, and Bloomberg lifted use restrictions in October 2002. The drought officially ended in January 2003.
Where Does New York City’s Water Come From, Exactly?
New York City’s tap water comes from a network of reservoirs in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, about 125 miles north of the city. The drought watch comes as the DEP is working to repair the Delaware Aqueduct, which has been leaking about 35 million gallons of water daily for about three decades.
Why is This Happening When New York City Has Been So Rainy the Last Few Years?
New York City has experienced record-shattering rain events in the past several years, and climate scientists predict more frequent and more intense storms to come. But drought is another effect of a changing climate, though it’s one that needs to be studied more, the New York City Panel on Climate Change noted in its latest report.
What Other Effects Should New Yorkers Be Alert For?
Droughts raise concerns for drinking water beyond New York City, as other areas in the region depend on the Delaware River Watershed. Sea level rise and changes in precipitation patterns can also impact water supply.
What Other Dangers Does a Drought Bring?
Dry conditions elevate the risk of fire, so officials urge New Yorkers to be careful when grilling and to properly extinguish and dispose of lit cigarette butts.
Conclusion
As the city’s reservoirs are at a historically low level, it is crucial for New Yorkers to take action to conserve water. By following simple tips and being mindful of their water usage, New Yorkers can make a significant difference in reducing the city’s water consumption.
FAQs
Q: What is a drought watch?
A: A drought watch is the first of three levels in the city’s advisory system, signaling the public to avoid wasting water and government agencies to prepare plans to reduce water consumption.
Q: How can I save water?
A: Follow the tips listed above, such as taking shorter showers, using low-flow showerheads, and fixing leaks.
Q: Has this happened before?
A: Yes, in 2001-2002, the city experienced a severe drought, and mandatory water conservation measures were implemented.
Q: Where does New York City’s water come from?
A: New York City’s tap water comes from a network of reservoirs in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains, about 125 miles north of the city.
