New York City Is On Drought Watch After A Record Dry Spell

NEW YORK CITY — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has officially declared a drought watch for 15 New York counties due to declining groundwater levels.

New York City, which is included in the list of impacted regions, is currently experiencing a record number of days without measurable rain, Mayor Eric Adams said.

According to Accuweather, there hasn't been any measurable rainfall in New York City since Sept. 30, though there were 0.01 inches of rain on Oct. 30. New York City typically gets around 4.38 inches of rain in October, according to Accuweather.

State and city government agencies are now making plans to conserve water and are encouraging New Yorkers to do their part as well.

"Mother Nature is in charge, and so we must adjust based on the lack of water and rain we have received," Adams said.

A watch is the first of four levels of drought advisories — they escalate in severity from a drought watch to a drought warning, a drought emergency, and finally, a drought disaster. For a drought watch, there are no mandatory restrictions, DEC officials said.

The New York counties now under drought watch include the Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester.

Here are some examples of how to conserve water, according to city and state officials:

• Reuse water collected in rain barrels and dehumidifiers to water plants instead of watering them from the tap
• Avoid watering lawns
• Avoid washing driveways with water and opt for a broom instead
• Fix leaking pipes and faucets
• Take shorter showers
• Don't run the water while brushing your teeth
• Report street leaks and open fire hydrants to 311
• Only run the dishwasher when it's full

"Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in some downstate areas being put under drought watch," DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.

"Local water restrictions and educating residents about how to help conserve our water resources are crucial steps to help prevent a more severe shortage until conditions improve."

For more information on the drought watch, click here.

This is a developing story and may be updated. Have news you want to share? Email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.