Amid a series of brush fires, including one in Manhattan, the city issued the first drought warning in 22 years and announced plans to release water through the Delaware Aqueduct to supplement local reservoirs.
New York City is under its first drought warning in more than two decades, adding to the danger of the brush fires sweeping the region. According to an Associated Press article, the city will also restart the flow of water through the Delaware Aqueduct to shore up city reservoirs, pausing a repair project on the aqueduct.
If conditions worsen, the city could elevate the warning to an emergency, which would trigger mandatory cutbacks on water use. New York is also under a statewide drought watch announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday.
The city is implementing water-saving measures in its own departments, with a plan to reduce washing of buses and subway cars and limit water use on publicly owned golf courses and parks.
The rain the city received on Thursday will not be “a drought buster, but it will help, especially with ongoing fire weather issues,” according to the National Weather Service's New York office. The city’s reservoirs are at roughly 60 percent capacity.
FULL STORY: NYC issues first drought warning in 22 years, pauses aqueduct repairs to bring in more water
New Yorkers Face New Climate Risks
A two-acre fire in a city park prompted city officials to ban grilling while urging residents to conserve water to limit the impact of a historic drought.
Colorado River States Inch Closer to Agreement
Upper Basin and Lower Basin states each say their plan for conserving the Colorado River’s water is the most sustainable.
Virginia Data Centers Draining State’s Water Supply
Being the world’s largest data center hub is having a severe impact on local water resources.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie