FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE03-16
March
25, 2003
Contact:
Ian Michaels
(718) 595-6600
City
Reservoirs At 100 Percent Capacity For First Time In Almost Two Years
Commissioner Christopher O. Ward of the New York City Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) announced today that City reservoir levels have reached
100 percent, marking the first time since April 2001 that the reservoir
system has been full. Reservoir levels on this date are normally 92.5
percent.
“Even though reservoir levels are above normal, this does not
mean New Yorkers should end their excellent track record for water conservation,”
cautioned Commissioner Ward. “We’re only in March, and the
months with the highest traditional water usage are just ahead of us.
Conservation has to be a continuing effort. For now, this is good news
for the City.”
The City had been dealing with a water shortage since 2001. A drought
watch was declared in December 2001, followed closely by a drought warning
in January 2002. A drought emergency Stage I was declared in April 2002
after another dry season left little snow in the upstate watershed region.
The drought emergency was rolled back to a drought watch in November
2002. The watch was cancelled on January 3rd of this year.
“New Yorkers should remember that there are year-round restrictions
on some types of water use,” said Commissioner Ward. “Residents
should never open a fire hydrant illegally. And you may not water sidewalks
or lawns from November 1st to March 31st.”
Water Saving Tips
- Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to the City 24-hours-a-day
by calling (718) DEP-HELP.
- Take advantage of DEP's free water survey to help save water and
cut water bills in residential and commercial buildings. City residents
can call (718) DEP-HELP.
- Take shorter showers or fill the tub only halfway.
- Don't run the tap while shaving or brushing your teeth.
- Fix leaks. Leaky faucets alone can waste up to 1,000 gallons each
week.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Or use short
cycles if available.
- Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket. Each unnecessary flush can
waste 1.6 to 5 gallons.
- Install water-saving fixtures including toilets, showerheads and
faucet aerators.
- Sweep driveways and sidewalks clean rather than washing them down
with a hose.
- For further information about water conservation see the DEP Web
site at www.nyc.gov/dep, or call (718) DEP-HELP.