NYC Issues First Drought Warning in 22 Years; Reservoirs at 60%; Mayor Pauses Aqueduct Repairs

Nov 18, 2024, 09:43 PM

New York City has issued its first drought warning in 22 years as reservoir levels have fallen to worrying lows after months of little rainfall. Mayor Eric Adams announced the drought warning on Monday, elevating the city's status from a drought watch; the warning is the level before a drought emergency. The upstate reservoirs that supply the city's drinking water are at 60% capacity, about 19% less than normal for this time of year. City agencies, including the MTA, have been instructed to implement water-saving measures immediately, and New Yorkers are being asked to voluntarily conserve water in their kitchens, bathrooms, and yards. Additionally, the city is pausing work on the Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project—which supplies water to NYC—to maintain water reserves. The drought warning affects not only New York City but also ten other counties in the state.