New York City Issues Drought Watch

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has declared a drought watch, urging residents to conserve water following the driest October in over 150 years, with only 0.01 inches of rain recorded in Central Park. This drought watch is the first of three potential water-saving measures, aimed at preventing a more severe shortage as nearly half of the U.S. faces similar dry conditions. Adams emphasized the need for immediate action, encouraging practices like shorter showers and reporting leaks to city agencies, which are preparing their own conservation plans. The city is also contending with repairs on a significant aqueduct that supplies water from the Catskills, further straining the water supply. New York City typically uses 1.1 billion gallons of water daily, a number that has decreased due to improved leak detection. Officials warn that if excessive water use continues, stricter restrictions may be necessary to manage the ongoing drought.