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Mayor Eric Adams declared a drought warning Monday — and halted a major aqueduct repair project to preserve the city’s waters supply — as New York City faces the threat of severe water shortages.

Adams also directed city agencies to roll back water usage and urged New Yorkers to voluntarily do the same amid the historic rainfall shortage and dwindling water reserves.

“Our city vehicles may look a bit dirtier, and our subways may look a bit dustier, but it’s what we have to do to delay or stave off a more serious drought emergency,” Adams said at a press conference.


  Public vehicles, trains and buses are expected to look a bit dirtier as Mayor Eric Adams directed the city to cut back on water. Stephen Yang Public vehicles, trains and buses are expected to look a bit dirtier as Mayor Eric Adams directed the city to cut back on water. Stephen Yang

  This is the city’s first drought warning since 2002. Getty Images This is the city’s first drought warning since 2002. Getty Images

Pausing the $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project allows the city to reopen the aqueduct and resume water flow from four additional reservoirs.

Hizzoner also suggested New Yorkers take shorter showers and stop running water while brushing their teeth to bolster the city’s efforts.

This is New York City’s first drought warning since 2002.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the entire state is under a drought watch as she issued drought warnings for 15 counties including Bronx, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Kings, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.


  The region’s dry conditions have also led to recent brush fires in the area. Christopher Sadowski The region’s dry conditions have also led to recent brush fires in the area. Christopher Sadowski

  People walk along the edge of the low water levels in the Ashokan reservoir, part of the large reservoir system in upstate New York. JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock People walk along the edge of the low water levels in the Ashokan reservoir, part of the large reservoir system in upstate New York. JUSTIN LANE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

  Water levels in the Wanaque Reservoir are seen at lower than normal levels on November 15, 2024 in Wanaque, New Jersey. AFP via Getty Images Water levels in the Wanaque Reservoir are seen at lower than normal levels on November 15, 2024 in Wanaque, New Jersey. AFP via Getty Images

“Recent unseasonably warm weather and lack of precipitation have led to dry conditions for many counties in New York, resulting in Hudson Valley and New York City area counties being elevated to drought warning status and a statewide drought watch,” Hochul said.

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