New York City Mayor Eric Adams has issued a citywide drought watch after October recorded the lowest rainfall in the city’s history.

Officials are urging residents to conserve water as NYC faces prolonged dry conditions, potentially leading to further restrictions if the drought worsens.

To reduce water consumption, residents are advised to avoid unnecessary toilet flushing, take shorter showers, promptly repair leaks, and avoid running faucets while brushing their teeth or shaving. As an additional measure, the slogan “If it’s yellow, let it mellow” is being promoted to encourage fewer toilet flushes.

The drought watch is the first in a series of conservation levels that the city may implement. If the drought persists, New York City could escalate to a drought warning or, ultimately, a drought emergency. On average, NYC consumes 1.1 billion gallons of water daily, making these conservation efforts important to ensure the city’s water supply.