Mayor Adams downgrades NYC drought warning amid improved reservoir levels

New York City has seen a significant improvement in water conditions following heavy rainfall and melting snowpack in its upstate watershed.

Mayor Eric Adams, alongside New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, announced a downgrade from a drought warning to a drought watch. This decision comes as reservoir levels rebound and the temporary halt of the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct repair project enhances water supply flexibility.

“Thanks to recent precipitation and melting snowfall upstate, in addition to our decision to pause the Delaware Aqueduct repair project, we’re in a much better place than we were a few weeks ago, allowing us to downgrade our drought warning to a drought watch,” said Mayor Adams.

“If conditions continue, we hope that, in the coming weeks, we will be able to rescind the watch as well. However, it’s a good reminder of the kind of world climate change is creating: a world with more extreme weather events and more dangerous impacts. We’ll continue doing everything we can to secure our water supply, guard against the impacts of a warming world, and keep New Yorkers safe.”

The announcement also follows the lifting of the temporary citywide ban on open flames and fireworks after recent rainfall in the five boroughs. DEP Commissioner Aggarwala praised New Yorkers’ efforts to conserve water during this critical period.

“New Yorkers and our fellow city agencies have shown remarkable resilience and commitment to conserving water during these unprecedented conditions. Thanks to significant rainfall, melting snowpack, conservation efforts, and strategic adjustments to our infrastructure projects, we’re able to lift the drought warning,” said Aggarwala. “As we confront a changing climate, we need to use our natural resources more wisely. Continuing to practice water conservation is a sustainable habit valuable even outside times of drought.”

The city had been battling its driest spell in recorded history, with a drought warning first issued on November 18, following a drought watch earlier that month. The prolonged dry conditions posed unique challenges, including brush fires within the city and its watershed. In response, DEP paused the Delaware Aqueduct repair project to maintain water supply levels, optimizing flow from the city’s reservoirs.

New York City’s reservoir system, which includes the Delaware, Croton, and Catskill reservoirs, remains resilient. An analysis of weather patterns suggests continued precipitation in the forecast, further boosting reservoir levels. Reopening the Delaware Aqueduct, the world’s longest tunnel of its kind, has allowed DEP to capitalize on the increased rainfall and snowmelt, ensuring flexible water management.