NYC Drought Warning: A City Running Dry?

New York City and surrounding counties are now under a drought warning, escalating from a drought watch due to unusually warm weather and lack of rainfall. This is the second of three levels, with a drought emergency being the most severe. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide drought watch and urged water conservation.

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Impact and Response

Mayor Eric Adams previously issued a drought watch and requested residents to conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaky faucets, and other water-saving measures. However, low rainfall has significantly impacted the city's reservoirs. The city's water supply is currently at 63% capacity, significantly lower than the normal 79%. The situation is further complicated by the temporary shutdown of the Delaware Aqueduct for repairs.

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The MTA has announced a reduction in the cleaning of public transportation vehicles to conserve water. This will result in dirtier vehicles but is deemed necessary to mitigate the drought. The Schoharie and Ashokan Reservoirs are at critically low levels.

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Water Conservation Tips

The state recommends several water conservation steps, including:

• Reusing collected rainwater to water plants
• Using a broom instead of a hose to clean
• Fixing leaks
• Washing full loads of laundry and dishes
• Taking shorter showers
• Installing water-saving fixtures
• Reducing car washing frequency

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The situation underscores the impact of climate change and the need for proactive measures to address water scarcity in the city.

<br><img src="https://media.nbcnewyork.com/2024/11/image_f7e1b6.png" alt="Image of dry conditions in NYC">