FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE02-10b
April
15, 2002
Contact: Geoff Ryan
(718) 595-6600
Warm
Weather Is Here! DEP Issues Save-water Alert
Weather forecasters are predicting temperatures in the 80s this week, and
the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is asking people
to save water because the City's water supply is in a Stage 1 Drought Emergency.
"When the weather warms up," said Commissioner Christopher O.
Ward, "people naturally start to use more water, whether to cool off
in the shower or water lawns, wash down sidewalks and driveways or wash the
car. Unfortunately, our reservoirs are extremely low for this time of year.
I not only have to ask folks to save water, I have to remind them that there
are stringent restrictions on water use during all phases of a Drought Emergency
no matter how hot it gets.
"If you have to wash that car," continued Commissioner Ward, "you
may not do it at home with a hose. Only commercial car washes that use well
water are allowed to operate during Drought Emergencies. If you're tempted
to wash that driveway or sidewalk, it is prohibited. Get out a broom instead.
If you have to water the lawn, you may only do so between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m.
and 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. during a Stage 1 Drought Emergency. Watering lawns
is prohibited entirely during Stage 2 and 3 Drought Emergencies.
"We are hoping that the City won't have to declare a Stage 2 Drought
Emergency, but if we don't get lots of rain in the near future, we could be
there within a month. Saving water can help us avoid or postpone going to
that next stage."
Currently, the City's reservoirs are at 61.8% of capacity, 35.6 percentage
points below the normal level of 97.4% for this date. The low water levels
are caused by a serious lack of precipitation across the City's nearly 2,000-square-mile
watershed since June of 2001. Over the last several years, daily water use
in the City has been averaging a little over 1.2 billion gallons per day,
well down from almost 1.5 billion gallons consumed in 1991. The dramatic reduction
in consumption is attributable to several comprehensive water conservation
measures implemented in the City and by DEP over the last ten years, including
the installation of water meters and of nearly 1.7 million low-flow toilets
and other plumbing fixtures. Without those conservation measures, the City
would have declared a Drought Emergency several months ago.
"New Yorkers have been saving water since the drought was announced,"
said Commissioner Ward. "Yesterday, however, as a result of the warmer
temperatures, water consumption went up for the first time since late January.
I want to thank those who have been conserving water and ask all New Yorkers
to help extend the current water supply through use of conservation measures."
Simple tips for conserving water include operating dishwashers and washing
machines only when full, taking shorter showers or shallow baths, and sweeping
sidewalks clean instead of using a water hose. Other important conservation
measures include fixing faucet leaks, which can waste hundreds of gallons
of water every week, and reporting illegally opened hydrants to DEP's 24-hour
helpline, 718/DEP-HELP (718/337-4357). New Yorkers may read more about water
conservation and the City's water supply on-line at nyc.gov/dep.
Water
Saving Tips
-
Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to DEP's 24-hour helpline,
718/DEP-HELP. An open hydrant can waste one million gallons of drinking water
per day.
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Take advantage of DEP's free water survey to help save water and cut
water bills in residential and commercial buildings. To apply City residents
can call 718/DEP-HELP.
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Take shorter showers or fill the tub only halfway and save water.
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Don't run the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth.
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Fix leaks. Leaky faucets alone can waste up to 1,000 gallons each week.
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Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Or use short cycles
if available.
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Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket. Each unnecessary flush can waste
1.6 to 5 gallons.
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Install water-saving fixtures including toilets, showerheads and faucet
aerators.
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Sweep driveways and sidewalks clean rather than washing them down with
a hose.
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For more water saving ideas visit DEP's Web site at nyc.gov/dep.