NEW YORK — Facing its first drought warning in two decades, New York City initiated water conservation measures on Monday, including a temporary halt to a major aqueduct repair project. This decision follows a period of unusually dry weather across the Northeast, prompting prior water conservation protocols.
The city’s response to the dry conditions includes suspending the $2 billion project designed to fix leaks in an 80-year-old tunnel. This action, along with the drought warning issued by Mayor Eric Adams, reflects escalating concerns about water supply.
Recent brush fires in Manhattan and Brooklyn further highlight the dryness affecting the city.
Mayor Adams indicated the drought warning could be elevated to an emergency status if dry conditions persist. A drought emergency would necessitate more stringent water usage reductions by residents and city agencies. The current warning already necessitates various water conservation protocols.
Forthcoming water-saving measures include reduced cleaning of city vehicles and subway cars, and decreased water use for fountains and golf courses.
“To avoid a more severe drought emergency, we’ll have less frequent cleaning of city vehicles and subways,” explained Adams, acknowledging the resulting impact on cleanliness.
The planned Delaware Aqueduct repairs, a project years in the making, have been temporarily postponed.
This aqueduct transports water for 85 miles (137 kilometers) from Catskill reservoirs to other city reservoirs.
A section of the aqueduct, closed in early October for repairs, will reopen. According to the city Department of Environmental Protection, current reservoir levels are too low to offset the water loss caused by keeping the aqueduct closed for repairs.
