Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Friday, July 30, 1999

Release #308 -99

 
Contact  
  Sunny Mindel/Samantha I. Lugo/Matt Higgins (212) 788-2958
Matt Furman (212) 442-2031 (OEM)
Cathy DelliCarpini (718) 595-6600 (DEP)
Michael Regan (718) 999-2025 (FDNY)



MAYOR GIULIANI OFFERS ADVICE ON WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER IN LIGHT OF RECORD HIGH HEAT AND POTENTIAL DROUGHT

With New York City facing the hottest July on record and potential drought conditions, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Mayor's Office of Emergency Management Director Jerome Hauer, Fire Department Commissioner Thomas Von Essen and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Joel Miele today met with representatives of the National Weather Service to discuss current weather conditions and the long-range forecast for the metropolitan area.

Though the City's reservoirs are not significantly below normal, the lack of rainfall in the past few months has prompted Mayor Giuliani to recommend that all New Yorkers conserve water, particularly during a heat wave when water use rises.

"New York City is currently in the midst of a protracted heat wave that requires all New Yorkers to conserve not just energy, but water," the Mayor said. "While our reservoirs still have an adequate supply of water on hand to satisfy the needs of New Yorkers, the severe heat has resulted in a corresponding increase in water consumption. I urge all New Yorkers to incorporate water conservation into their daily routines and help our City continue to meet the challenges presented by this current heat wave."

The Mayor was briefed by Michael Wyllie, Meteorologist-in-Charge for the National Weather Service and Richard Tinker of the Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center about the current heat wave and its effects on drought conditions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The Climate Prediction Center is responsible for examining weather trends and establishing long-range forecasts.

Mr. Wyllie advised that the current heat wave will continue at least through the weekend, with high temperatures reaching well into the 90's. "This should clinch that July 1999 was the hottest July on record," Wyllie said.

DEP Commissioner Joel Miele stressed that the City's reservoirs are not at dangerous levels, but underscored the importance of continuing to exercise good judgement in the use of water. "Water is a precious resource and it is important to use water wisely, particularly during extended dry weather conditions."

OEM Director Jerome Hauer reminded New Yorkers that misuse of fire hydrants during a heat wave could lead to dangerously low water pressure. "During the heat wave of July 4th we saw extremely low water pressure in the Jamaica, Queens area as well as in other parts of the City. We ask that residents obtain spray caps for the hydrants so that the City doesn't have a problem in the coming days."

Fire Department Commissioner Thomas Von Essen said, "Although the Fire Department is always watchful of water pressure issues as they pertain to fighting fires, as the heat and dry weather conditions persist in the city, we become increasingly concerned. Sprinkler caps along with simple water conservation in the home will help to ensure that there is adequate water pressure in the event of a fire."

WATER CONSERVATION DO'S AND DON'TS

During potential drought conditions, New Yorkers can save hundreds of gallons of water every week by following these water saving tips: