NEW YORK – New York City is now under a drought warningofficials announced Monday.
The last time the city issued a drought warning was more than twenty years ago, in 2002.
New York City isn’t the only one under a drought warning. Ten nearby Hudson Valley counties will also become one as of Monday: Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.
Last week, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has issued a drought warning throughout the Garden State. It is because the region is experiencing a historical period without significant rainfall.
A drought warning is the second of three drought measures in New York City. These levels include drought observation, warning and emergency.
What is a drought monitor?
A drought monitor is the first of three levels of urban water conservation statements. Mayor Eric Adams announced this the city was in a drought watch on November 2. Under the drought’s watch, city agencies began preparing for water conservation. Under the drought watch, New Yorkers were also encouraged to do their part to help conserve water.
Some tips from the Department of Environmental Conservation include:
- Do not flush the toilet unnecessarily and repair toilets that run continuously.
- Take shorter showers.
- Do not leave the tap running while shaving, washing hands or brushing teeth.
- Repair leaks.
- Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.
- Install water-saving fixtures, such as low-efficiency faucets and shower heads.
- Water lawns only when necessary.
- Sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of washing them with a garden hose.
Officials escalated the city from a drought warning to a warning on Monday.
What is a drought warning?
A drought warning is the second level of the city’s water conservation response. When a drought warning is implemented, city services begin to change their behavior to conserve water. Some of the measures include:
- Suspension of street flushing by the Ministry of Sanitation.
- The FDNY and NYPD will shut down illegally opened fire hydrants.
- The Parks Department limits water use in fountains and fresh water in man-made ponds and lakes, except where fish or other wildlife are present.
- NYCHA and HPD are looking to repair plumbing and install low-flow plumbing fixtures. Lawn irrigation is also limited.
- New York City public schools will begin teaching students about water conservation.
- All city agencies and the MTA are reducing the washing of their fleets.
As part of the warning, Adams also announced a pause on the city’s $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair project.
What is a drought emergency?
The third and highest level of citywide drought response is a drought emergency. In the event of drought, the city will implement and enforce water shortage rules, meaning water use can be controlled and limited.
So what would a drought emergency mean for New York City residents?
- They could face possible fines and penalties for violating water shortage regulations.
- Water conservation signs will be mandatory in all homes, hotels, hospitals, office buildings, restaurants, commercial and industrial buildings, schools, universities and community centers.
- Restaurants do not serve water unless specifically requested.
- The swimming pools will be closed.
- The irrigation of golf courses and sports fields will be stopped.
- Fountains are turned off.
- Washing of sidewalks near buildings is suspended.
The last time New York City declared a drought emergency was in 2002.
Reservoir levels are retreating
The drought warning comes at a time when the reservoirs that supply the city with water are now at 60% capacity. Normally at this time of year they are at 79% capacity.
The longest recorded period without rain occurred in 1924 and lasted 36 days.
