GILBOA, N.Y. — Officials in New York City are expressing alarm regarding the low levels of water in reservoirs following an extended period of scant rainfall. They are considering delaying maintenance work on a temporarily inactive aqueduct to increase water flow into the struggling supply system.
Recently, Mayor Eric Adams declared a drought watch and encouraged residents to conserve water by reducing shower times and repairing leaking faucets. Despite these voluntary efforts, the reduced rainfall since September has severely impacted the extensive network of reservoirs located in upstate New York.
The Schoharie Reservoir, situated over 100 miles north of Manhattan, was recorded at less than one-third of its capacity this week, revealing large expanses of dried mud as water levels declined. The situation is not much better in the Catskill Mountains, where the Ashokan Reservoir is also experiencing significant water losses.
Paul Rush, the official in charge of the city’s water supply at the Department of Environmental Protection, voiced concerns about the overall state of the water system, noting, “Currently, the system is at 63% capacity, while we usually see about 79%. The inflows to our reservoirs are at near record lows.” This week, Rush visited the Schoharie Reservoir and stressed the urgency for considerable rainfall.
Compounding the dry conditions is the ongoing closure of an aqueduct in upstate New York for necessary repairs. The Delaware Aqueduct, which typically provides over half of the city’s water, is temporarily out of service as part of a $2 billion initiative aimed at fixing leaks within the system.
Rush highlighted that the repair project incorporates multiple evaluation points allowing officials to decide whether to proceed or halt based on water supply status and forecasts. A crucial decision point will arrive shortly.
“We may have to consider turning the Delaware Aqueduct back on to ensure full access to the entire water supply given the extremely dry conditions we are facing,” Rush said, indicating that action may be necessary to address the current drought situation.