What is a drought warning? NYC, 10 New York counties, and New Jersey are all under one
NEW YORK - New York City is now under a drought warning, officials announced Monday.
The last time the city issued a drought warning was more than 20 years ago, in 2002.
New York City isn't alone in being under a drought warning. Ten nearby Hudson Valley counties are also under one, as of Monday: Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.
Last week, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a drought warning throughout the Garden State. It comes as the region copes with an historic streak without significant rainfall.
A drought warning is the second of three tiers of drought response in New York City. Those levels include drought watch, warning, and emergency.
What is a drought watch?
A drought watch is the first of three levels of city water conservation declarations. Mayor Eric Adams announced the city was in a drought watch back on November 2. Under the drought watch, city agencies began preparations 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:
- Don't flush the toilet unnecessarily and fix toilets that continually run.
- Take shorter showers.
- Don't run the tap while shaving, washing hands or brushing teeth.
- Fix leaks.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
- Install water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow toilers and showerheads.
- Water lawns only when necessary.
- Sweep driveways and sidewalks clean instead of washing them with a hose.
Officials escalated the city from a drought watch to 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 agencies start altering their behavior in order to conserve water. Some of the measures include:
- Suspension of street flushing by the Department of Sanitation.
- The FDNY and NYPD will close illegally opened fire hydrants.
- The Parks Department is limiting water use in fountains and fresh water in artificial ponds and lakes, except where fish or other wildlife are present.
- NYCHA and HPD are seeking out plumbing repair work and installing low-flow plumbing fixtures. Lawn watering is also limited.
- New York City public schools will begin educating student on water conservation.
- All city agencies and the MTA are reducing the washing of their fleets of vehicles.
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. Under a drought emergency, the city will implement and enforce water shortage rules, meaning use of water can be directed, and restricted.
So what would a drought emergency mean for New York City residents?
- They'd face possible fines and sanctions for violation of water shortage rules.
- Save water signs will be required in all multiple dwellings, hotels, hospitals, office building, restaurants, commercial and industrial buildings, schools, universities and community centers.
- Restaurants won't serve water unless it is specifically requested.
- Pools will be shut.
- Watering of golf courses and athletic fields will be suspended.
- Fountains will be turned off.
- Sidewalk washing by buildings will be suspended.
The last time New York City declared a drought emergency was in 2002.
Reservoir levels in retreat
The declaration of the drought warning comes as reservoirs that supply the city with water are now at 60% capacity. They would typically be at 79% capacity at this time of year.
The longest recorded period without rain took place in 1924, and last 36 days.