NYC Drought Watch: What it Means for You and How to Conserve Water

NYC Under a Drought Watch: What You Need to Know

New York City and surrounding areas are facing a historic drought, the second-longest stretch without rainfall since 1941. Mayor Eric Adams and city officials are urging residents to conserve water as the city enters a Drought Watch, the first of four drought advisory levels.

Areas under a Drought Watch:

• New York City
• Westchester
• Rockland
• Putman
• Dutchess
• Ulster
• Greene
• Delaware
• Schoharie

What does a Drought Watch mean?

During a Drought Watch, public water suppliers begin to conserve water and encourage customers to reduce their water use. This is the current phase New York City is in. Here's what the other stages of drought advisories mean:

• Drought Warning: Communities are encouraged to conserve water, water suppliers activate local drought plans, and agencies prepare for possible emergencies.
• Drought Emergency: The governor can declare mandatory water restrictions, local communities may need alternative water sources, and public health is prioritized.
• Drought Disaster: A drought disaster plan is put into action with increased water restrictions, the governor can declare a disaster and seek federal assistance, and emergency legislation may be passed to provide resources and support.

New York's Water Resources:

"New York is rich with water resources," states the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) website. "Our celebrated streams, lakes, and coasts are fed by an average annual precipitation that ranges from 60 inches in the Catskills to 28 inches in the Lake Champlain Valley. The last severe droughts in New York occurred in the mid-1960s and again in the early and mid-1980s."

With the current drought situation, it's important to be mindful of our water usage and take steps to conserve. Every little bit helps.