Mayor Eric Adams declared a drought warning Monday — and halted a major aqueduct repair project to preserve the city’s waters supply — as New York City faces the threat of severe water shortages. Adams also directed city agencies to roll back water usage and urged New Yorkers to voluntarily do the same amid the historic rainfall shortage and dwindling water reserves.

A drought warning has been issued across NYC for first time in 20 years as Mayor Adams issues a warning over water use. Dry conditions across the Northeast have been blamed for hundreds of brush fires.