STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — New York City officials launched a citywide drought watch amid a historic lack of precipitation, ordering city agencies on Saturday to update their plans water conservation and prepare to implement them.

Authorities are also urging the public to help conserve every drop of water as much as possible.

The announcement comes as New York City ends a historically dry October, which had the second-longest drought streak on city records dating back to 1869, according to the mayor’s office. City officials say water conservation will slow the rate of depletion of water stored in the city’s reservoirs and could potentially delay or eliminate the threat of a severe shortage.

“New Yorkers come together in times of crisis, and right now, in the midst of the driest period in recent memory, we need New Yorkers to do just that and conserve as much water as possible,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “We will also do our part as a city, which is why I am directing our municipal agencies to update their water conservation plans and prepare to implement them imminently.”

A drought watch is the first of three levels of water conservation declarations by the city. As drought persists, the city may declare a drought warning or drought emergency, which involves increasing requirements to reduce water use.

“We encourage all New Yorkers to take this drought watch seriously and conserve water as much as possible. While water conservation is always essential, it is especially crucial during prolonged drought periods, such as those experienced in New York State this fall,” said Camille Joseph Varlack, chief of staff and severe weather coordinator. “Implementing voluntary water conservation measures now can help avoid the need for stricter restrictions in the future. The administration is ready to implement immediate measures in municipal agencies to save water and is ready to take further measures if necessary.

Mayor Adams urged all New Yorkers to do their part to conserve water. Here are some simple tips:

• Report open fire hydrants and street leaks to 311. An open fire hydrant can release more than 1,000 gallons per minute, wasting 1.4 million gallons of drinking water over a 24 cycle. hours.
• Do not flush the toilet unnecessarily. According to the EPA, toilets are by far the largest source of water consumption in a home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a home’s average indoor water consumption. Each flush can use 1.6 gallons, with older models using up to 6 gallons.
• Take shorter showers, saving five to seven gallons per minute. When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.
• Do not run the tap when shaving, washing your hands or brushing your teeth. Faucets use two to three gallons per minute.
• Fix leaks. A leaky faucet that drips at a rate of one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full. Use short cycles if available. Turn off the water while you wash the dishes.
• Install water-efficient fixtures, including low-flow toilets and showerheads, as well as faucet aerators.
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than washing them with a garden hose.
• For even more ideas, visit DEP Water Saving Tips Website.

New York City’s average daily water demand has declined by about 35 percent over the past few decades, according to city officials. At its peak in 1979, the city’s average water consumption was 1.5 billion gallons of water per day. Improved management strategies – such as detecting and repairing system-wide leaks, replacing old meters with automated meter readers, and providing an online platform for customers to track and to monitor their water consumption and quickly detect leaks in their buildings – have dropped the city’s water consumption to just 1.1. billion gallons per day on average and less than a billion gallons during the winter months, city officials said.