Adams Issues Drought Watch for New York City as Dry Weather Persists
The New York Times
The measure, announced by the mayor on Saturday, does not impose restrictions on New Yorkers, but officials are urging residents to use less water.
Many New Yorkers have reason to be pleased with their luck this fall. They were able to experience Central Park’s vibrant October foliage under clear skies and go trick-or-treating on an unseasonably warm Halloween. And the sunny weather is expected to continue Sunday as runners take to the streets for the New York City Marathon.
While some New Yorkers might relish the streak of good weather, the city’s unusually dry autumn is becoming a problem for its water supply. On Saturday, Mayor Eric Adams announced a drought watch for New York City, urging residents to conserve water.
The announcement does not mandate any restrictions on water use, but in a social media video on Saturday, Mr. Adams asked city agencies to implement “water savings plans” and suggested that New Yorkers consider cutting back at the tap.
“Let’s do it together,” Mr. Adams said in the video. “Mother Nature’s in charge, and so we must make sure we adjust based on the lack of water and rain we have received.”
New York did not record any significant rainfall during the month of October, making for the second-longest dry spell in the city since 1869, according to a Saturday statement from the mayor’s office.
A drought watch, the lowest of the four tiers in New York State’s drought classification system, is implemented “when a drought is developing,” according to the State Environmental Conservation Department. If dry conditions persist, the state could declare a drought warning, emergency or disaster. Mandatory conservation requirements could kick in only at the third tier, in a drought emergency.
