On November 18, Mayor Eric Adams issued a drought warning for New York City. All New Yorkers are encouraged to conserve water. Based on Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) guidance, adopt water-saving habits, emphasizing reducing water use as a shared responsibility:
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Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to 311.
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Limit unnecessary flushing, as toilets account for a major portion of water use.
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Reduce shower times.
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Turn off faucets: Avoid running water while brushing teeth or washing hands.
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Fix leaks promptly: Report and repair any dripping faucets or running toilets.
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Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
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Ask custodial teams to use brooms to clean sidewalks and driveways where possible.
Additional tips for reducing water use can be found at nyc.gov/savewater.
A drought warning is the second of three levels of water conservation declarations by the city. As conditions continue to evolve, the city may declare a drought emergency, which involves escalating requirements to reduce water usage.