Dear Board Members, Residents, & Building Staff,
While we are enjoying the nice rain-free weather lately, New York experienced truly little rainfall in October. In fact, it is the second-longest dry spell we have seen in 155 years. This means we are potentially facing water shortages if either the weather does not change and/or we do not cut back on water usage. This past Saturday, Mayor Adams asked city agencies to implement “water savings plans” and suggested that New Yorkers consider cutting back at the tap. While his announcement does not mandate any restrictions on water use, we want to be mindful of the situation. And as we manage hundreds of properties in the five boroughs, we feel it is important to pass along this message. For New Yorkers living in AKAM managed properties interested in doing their part, please consider the following water-saving measures:
In the Bathroom:
- Taking shorter showers will save 5 to 7 gallons a minute.
- When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.
- Install water-saving toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators.
- Place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank if you cannot switch to a low-flow toilet.
- Turn off the faucet while shaving, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth. Faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute.
- Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket, and do not flush it unnecessarily.
In the Laundry Room/ Kitchen:
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Save even more by using the short cycle.
- Install faucet aerators.
- Turn off the water while washing dishes. Kitchen faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute. Filling a basin only takes 10 gallons to wash and rinse.
Outside:
- Use a self-closing nozzle on your hose.
- Sweep your sidewalk or driveway instead of using water.
- Water plants before 9am or after 7pm and do not overwater them.
Other:
- Repair leaky faucets and turn taps off tightly. A slow drip wastes 15 to 20 gallons each day.
- Do not open fire hydrants.
- If you see a leaking or running fire hydrant, please report it to 311 or fill out this online form so we can follow up.
Thanks to Charles Stimson for purchasing and sharing these four photographs from the city archives. Shot for a tax survey in 1939, they show our block and are full of fascinating detail if you click on them to blow them up and look a little closer. Wouldn’t you love to stop off at Marty’s Luncheon for a sandwich? As New York races into the future, it’s quite a thrill to be able to look back and remind ourselves how things used to be.