Mayor Adams is pushing for shorter showers to conserve water amid New York's drought

NYC is in drought: here's what you need to know

These water conservation tips show what your family should do now to save water.

As New Yorkers know all too well, it's been a while since we've had significant rainfall. As a result, we are now in a drought and it is time for all of us to do our part and help save water. While some changes may seem like a hassle, and it may take some effort to get your kids and family on board, they are small sacrifices that are crucial to helping our city save water.

Earlier this week, Mayor Adams and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) held a press conference to urge New Yorkers to conserve water. The announcement follows a historically dry October in New York City, which recorded the second-longest dry spell since records began in 1869.

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“October was the driest on record, which has resulted in minimal inflows to replenish reservoirs,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “As a result, a drought watch has been declared and we must now take immediate action. All of us who depend on the city's water supply, including 8.3 million consumers in the city and another 1.5 million in the state, must make concerted efforts to conserve water.”

Mayor Adams urged all New Yorkers to take certain steps: “New Yorkers come together in times of crisis, and right now, in the midst of the driest period in recent history, we need New Yorkers to do just that and save as much water as possible.” He and the DEP are encouraging people to take shorter showers, curb toilet flushing and make other small changes to conserve water.

Smart water saving tips for parents in NYC

• Take flushing toilets into account
  Did you know that toilets in an average home use almost 30% of the water? Each flush uses 1.6 liters, and older models can waste even more. Encourage your children to only flush when absolutely necessary, and be mindful of how often you use it.
• Keep showers short
  By shortening your shower time by just a few minutes, you can save 5 to 7 liters of water per minute. When giving the little ones a bath, try to fill the bath halfway to save 10 to 15 liters. Teach children 'smart showering' and make it a fun challenge to reduce water consumption.
• Turn off the tap during daily routines
  Remind your children to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth, washing their hands or shaving. Faucets use 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute, and every little bit adds up.
• Repair leaky faucets quickly
  A leaky tap may not seem like a problem, but it can waste more than 3,000 liters of water per year. Pay attention to leaks in and around the house and repair them as soon as possible. It's a simple way to save water and money.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full
  Only turn on your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full and choose shorter programs if possible. If you wash dishes by hand, turn off the water while scrubbing to save even more.
• Install water-saving fixtures
  Consider upgrading to low-flow toilets, water-saving shower heads and faucet aerators. These small changes can make a big difference in the amount of water you use every day.
• Sweep the driveway instead of hosing it
  Instead of washing the driveway or sidewalk with a hose, grab a broom. It's a great way to save water and get your kids involved in helping with outdoor chores.
• Report leaking fire hydrants and street leaks to 311
  An open fire hydrant wastes more than 1,000 liters of water per minute. Imagine the impact on your neighborhood! If you encounter one, report it to 311 to save water for your family and community.

For more simple tips to save water, visit the DEP's tips for water conservation website.

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