New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala have issued a citywide drought watch following October’s record-breaking dry spell, marking the second-longest rainless streak in the city’s history. In response, city agencies have been directed to update their water conservation plans, while residents are urged to take immediate steps to reduce water usage.
This drought watch is the first of three escalating water conservation alerts aimed at protecting the city’s water supply. Mayor Adams emphasized the need for collective action: “New Yorkers come together in times of crisis, and right now, amidst the driest spell in recent memory, we need New Yorkers to do just that and conserve as much water as possible.” He reassured the public that the city will support these efforts by updating and preparing agency-level conservation plans.
Chief of Staff and Extreme Weather Coordinator Camille Joseph Varlack highlighted the importance of voluntary water conservation to ease pressure on the city’s resources. “While water conservation is always essential, it is particularly crucial during extended dry periods… Implementing voluntary water conservation measures now can help prevent the need for more stringent restrictions in the future,” she noted.
The DEP’s Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project, addressing a decades-old leak, has further stressed the city’s water reserves, with minimal October rainfall compounding the issue. Commissioner Aggarwala explained, “October was the driest October on record, which has resulted in minimal inflow to replenish the reservoirs…All of us who rely on the city’s water supply, including 8.3 million consumers in the city and another 1.5 million upstate, must make concerted efforts to conserve water.”
Residents are encouraged to report water waste, such as open fire hydrants, to 311 and adopt simple water-saving tips, like fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, and running dishwashers or washing machines only when full. For more ideas, residents can visit the DEP’s Water Savings Tips website.
The DEP will continue monitoring water levels, with additional restrictions possible should conditions worsen.
