New York City is escalating its response to an intensifying drought, with Mayor Eric Adams elevating the city’s drought status to a warning on Monday. This significant step, just one level shy of a drought emergency with mandatory water restrictions, comes as the city and 10 surrounding counties in New York State grapple with critically low water levels amid ongoing wildfires and a historic lack of rainfall.
The drought warning, extending beyond New York City to include much of the Hudson Valley, reflects the wider challenges faced by the state. Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a drought watch for other areas, as abnormally dry conditions persist. While no restrictions are mandated under the current warning, officials urge residents to voluntarily conserve water and prepare for the possibility of stricter measures.
New York City’s reservoirs, usually at 79% capacity during this season, are now at a concerning 60%. According to the National Weather Service, the city has received less than a quarter-inch of rain since October 1. While a forecasted inch of rainfall this week may provide temporary relief, it is insufficient to address the growing water deficit. Mayor Eric Adams said,
“I want to be clear, this is not normal, you may enjoy the beautiful weather, but the reality is climate change is real and is impacting our city. and while we cannot make it rain, we can take action to reduce the risk of drought emergencies in our city.”
The city’s water supply crisis is compounded by the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct repair project, which began in October. This project, planned for decades, necessitated the shutdown of a crucial water tunnel, cutting access to four major reservoirs in the Catskill Mountains. In light of the drought, Mayor Adams plans to halt construction and reopen the aqueduct to restore access to these critical water sources.
The drought in New York is part of a broader regional crisis affecting neighboring states like New Jersey and Connecticut. Approximately 10% of southern New York State has been in a severe drought for over a week, while a quarter of New Jersey has endured extreme drought conditions for two weeks. Both states, along with Connecticut, have implemented burn bans to mitigate wildfire risks.
Wildfires have become a pressing concern as the region experiences dry and windy conditions. Along the New York-New Jersey border, a persistent wildfire in the mountains prompted evacuations in a nearby town on Sunday. In New York City, there have been 270 brush fires this month alone, a record high. Popular green spaces such as Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Inwood Hill Park in Manhattan have been affected, prompting the Fire Department to establish a new brush-fire task force.
While light rainfall is expected on Wednesday night into Thursday, experts caution that it will not resolve the water deficit. John Murray, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, noted that New York City and its reservoir areas are experiencing an eight-inch rainfall shortfall compared to seasonal averages.
Rohit T. Aggarwala, the city’s climate chief and commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “The ongoing and historic lack of rainfall, both in the city and in the upstate watershed where our reservoirs are located, has become more critical,” he said.
Officials are urging residents to reduce water usage voluntarily and have encouraged water suppliers to activate contingency plans. These include operational adjustments and measures to manage water supply sustainably. The combination of drought, wildfires, and an insufficient water supply underscores the urgent need for proactive management and community cooperation. As conditions remain precarious, New York City and the surrounding areas are bracing for what could be a prolonged and challenging water crisis.
