LICAP Continues Summer Water Conservation Campaign

The Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection (LICAP), a bi-county organization formed to address issues facing Long Island’s sole-source aquifer system, is continuing its multifaceted Our Water Our Lives messaging campaign to encourage water conservation this summer. The organization aims to enlist the help of residents in protecting Long Island’s only source of water and relieve the extreme stresses drinking water infrastructure faces when trying to keep up with demand.

LICAP recently held a press conference in West Hempstead to discuss the crucial nature of water conservation this summer.

“There is no natural resource that is more important to Long Islanders than our drinking water,” said LICAP Chairman Jason Belle. “We all draw our water from the same place and we have a mutual responsibility to protect it. This starts with water conservation, and making just a few simple habit changes to our lawn-watering practices will go a long way toward maintaining the health of our aquifer this summer.”

Making small adjustments to irrigation practices has substantial results that keep money in the pockets of residents, improve lawn health and maintain public safety and Long Island’s water supply and infrastructure. Lawns only need one inch of water per week in order to remain healthy. Overwatering encourages shallow root development and makes lawns susceptible to burning, while shortened irrigation cycles keep lawns healthy. In addition to enhancing lawns, these cycle changes reduce the cost of water bills. Overuse of irrigation systems also puts fire protection at risk, as it can lower water availability and pressure. Therefore, residents are advised to adjust their irrigation cycles to allow for the proper water flow and pressure that keeps our communities safe and ensures our infrastructure works efficiently.

LICAP advises all Long Islanders to follow an odd/even water schedule, which means even-numbered homes water on even days and odd-numbered homes water on odd days. Residents with standard irrigation timers are also encouraged to switch to a smart irrigation timer, which uses Wi-Fi to tap into local weather forecasts to provide your lawn with the appropriate amount of water based on past, present and future weather conditions.

With irrigation systems being the overwhelming user of water during peak summer months, residents are also encouraged to reduce their irrigation system’s watering by five minutes per zone. This can save 20 percent on overall usage. Irrigation systems should be checked for leaks and broken sprinkler heads to prevent unknowingly wasting thousands of gallons of water each month.

“Conserving water is not only crucial to the health of our aquifer and the integrity of our infrastructure, but it helps you save money as well,” said Chairman Belle. “When we conserve, everybody wins, and we encourage all Long Islanders to join in these conservation efforts this summer.”

To learn more about LICAP’s water conservation campaign, visit ourwaterourlives.com.

About the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection

The Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection (LICAP) is a bi-county organization formed in 2013 by unanimous votes in the Nassau and Suffolk Legislatures to address both quality and quantity issues facing Long Island’s aquifer system and to advocate for a coordinated, regional approach to groundwater resources management. LICAP’s membership consists of stakeholders from Nassau and Suffolk Counties with expertise in groundwater management, including elected officials and representatives of health departments, public water suppliers, agencies specializing in environmental protection and environmental advocacy organizations. For more information, visit https://licaponline.wpengine.com/.