White Plains CitizeNetReporter - County in a Drought -- Reservoirs at 44%. Conservation Measures Issued

Special to WPCNR:Following the lead of New York City, Westchester County today declared “a drought watch” and urged residents to conserve water, County Executive Andy Spano announced Thursday, urging Westchester residents to conserve water, and issuing water-conservation measure. Reservoirs are at 44% of capacity almost half of what they should be at this time of year.

"Most people don't think of drought and winter together, somehow the two don't seem to mix," said Spano. "But don't let the cold fool you -- our water supply levels are not where they should be for us to be comfortable. Let's all watch how we use water."

Westchester gets 85 percent of its water from New York City and acted in the aftermath of a “drought watch” declaration from the city earlier today.

A "Drought Watch" is the first stage of drought response actions. In the event of a continued lack of rain, further steps may be taken to encourage – or even mandate – water conservation.

New York City’s reservoirs are presently at 44.4 percent of capacity. Normal for this time of year is 76.4 percent. The low-water levels are attributed to below average rainfall in the nearly 2,000-square-mile watershed over the last several months. More than nine million consumers in New York City, Westchester County and three other counties rely on the city's water supply.

Spano is urging residents and businesses to voluntarily conserve water. Simple tips for conserving water include operating dishwashers and washing machines only when full and taking shorter showers or shallow baths. Other important conservation measures include fixing faucet leaks, which can waste hundreds of gallons of water every week, and not using the toilet as a wastebasket.

1. Don’t run the water when shaving or brushing your teeth.

2. Reduce the amount of time in the shower.

3. Fill the bathtub halfway only.

4. Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full.

5. Don't let the tap run for cold water. Instead, keep a drinking water container in the refrigerator.

6. Fix leaks. Leaky faucets alone can waste up to 1,000 gallons each week.

7. Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket. Each unnecessary flush can waste 1.6 to 5 gallons.

8. Install water-saving devices such as low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators.


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