Stage One Water Alert to conserve where possible, adjust irrigation timers
The experts at Suffolk County Water Authority are requesting residents be mindful to conserve water where possible. A Stage one water alert has been issued due to high temperatures and the warning for a potential drought, recently issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Although a stage one water alert, is not an imminent emergency, residents and commercial property owners are asked to use water resources in a practical and efficient manner.
How to Conserve:
Sprinkler and other irrigation systems should not be operating during peak hours (2 AM to 7 AM). The drain on the Suffolk County Water Authority resources and pumps is most significant during the early morning hours. Residential and Commercial property owners are asked to adjust sprinkler and irrigation systems to either operate in the evening hours (between 9 PM and 12 AM) or implement an every other day watering schedule with neighbors.
The SCWA is also asking all non-essential water use is kept to a minimum during the 2 AM to 7 AM peak time. Avoid washing cars, pavement, driveways and similar areas during the early morning hours. Other non-essential water use includes the operating of ornamental devices such as fountains, reflecting pools and artificial waterfalls.
Why is it Important to Conserve During a potential Drought?
Think of water as all-encompassing… it’s all connected. When the groundwater is depleted, all the lakes, reservoirs and other bodies of water are diminish as well. Increased or heavier demand on water pumps also means an increase in costs. In addition to financial burdens, groundwater depletion can result in sudden soil and earth sinking as well as saltwater contamination and other water quality concerns. The good news is that a Stage One warning puts preventive measures in place so the community can work together to avoid costly and unhealthy consequences.
The Suffolk County Water Authority, reminds all residential and commercial customers that participation in conservation efforts is completely voluntary. The Stage One alert is meant to follow SCWA’s East End Water Conservation initiative, announced in May. James F. Gaughran, the water authority chairman is hopeful that the community will step up to help.
“During the hot summer months, one of the most important things Suffolk residents can do is make sure they are not wasting water… SCWA is proud to provide some of the highest quality and most affordable drinking water in the country, and with your help, we will only improve on that mission.” – James F. Gaughran, Suffolk County Water Authority Chairman
For questions or more information, residents should contact the SCWA Customer Service line at (631) 698-9500.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.