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January 3, 2025
Increased Rainfall and Thawing Snowpack in Upstate Watershed
Have Remarkably Replenished Reservoir Storage Levels
November and December Experienced 20 Percent Above Average
Precipitation Levels Across Water Supply System
NEW YORK – The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, along with New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala, declared today the termination of the city’s drought watch. Thoughtful decision-making by DEP, residents’ conservation initiatives, and beneficial weather conditions have collectively aided in the replenishment of the city’s reservoir system — guaranteeing a reliable water supply for millions of inhabitants and removing the risk of a water deficit.
“Due to the efforts of everyday New Yorkers in conserving water, as well as the above-average rainfall in the past two months, we can now safely lift the drought alert for our city,” stated Mayor Adams. “Once again, our city has demonstrated its resilience and capacity to unite in challenging times. By collaborating and following officials’ recommendations, we managed to avert a far more severe drought crisis. The dedication of New Yorkers in saving water over the past two months has proven fruitful, allowing us to conclude this historic drought.”
“The conclusion of the drought watch highlights the essential role of DEP’s strategic planning and adaptive management of New York City’s vital water resources,” commented Commissioner Aggarwala. “I appreciate our partner city agencies and all New Yorkers for their conservation measures, which aided us in saving water. Let’s persist in using water judiciously to ensure the resilience and reliability of the city’s water supply system.”
“Recent rainfall and the diligence of New Yorkers who responded to appeals to conserve water resources have alleviated dry conditions statewide,” remarked New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “Under Governor Hochul’s direction, DEC specialists will continue to observe conditions and collaborate with New York City officials and localities throughout the state to identify any essential steps and actions aimed at preventing further shortages.”
The Mayor and Commissioner Aggarwala first announced a drought watch on November 2, during the driest period in the city’s recorded history. The city elevated the drought watch to a drought warning on November 18, as the unprecedented lack of precipitation created significant challenges, including wildfires within the city and the watershed. In response, DEP took extraordinary measures to protect the city’s water supply, such as temporarily halting the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct repair project. This crucial decision — along with substantial rainfall upstate and increased water supply flexibility — enabled the city to fulfill its water needs. By December 16, improved circumstances allowed the warning to be reverted back to a drought watch.
November and December recorded generous precipitation levels at 20 percent above average in the watershed, as per rainfall statistics. This recent rainfall, alongside the melting snowpack, has considerably raised reservoir levels in the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.
New York City’s extensive water supply — which encompasses three distinct reservoir systems — is resilient by design and capable of functioning efficiently even during dry spells. Pausing the Delaware Aqueduct repair project and reopening the water tunnel — the world’s longest tunnel of any kind — enabled DEP to optimize water flow while safeguarding the long-term integrity of the water supply. DEP anticipates that work will resume on this critical repair in the fall of 2025. Throughout the drought watch and warning, DEP reiterated its commitment to providing high-quality drinking water to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million in New York City.
New York City has effectively conserved water for decades. The city’s average daily water demand has diminished by around 35 percent over the last several decades, despite a population increase of more than 1 million residents. At its peak in 1979, the city’s average water consumption reached 1.5 billion gallons daily. Thanks to enhanced management strategies — including systemwide leak detection and repairs, substituting old meters with automated meter readers, and offering an online platform for customers to monitor water usage and swiftly identify leaks in their properties — the city now utilizes just 1.1 billion gallons daily on average, and under 1 billion gallons during the winter months.
DEP oversees the nation’s largest municipal water supply system. Water is sourced from a watershed that stretches over 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels, and aqueducts deliver water to residences and businesses across the five boroughs and communities in four upstate counties.
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