County Officials Beg Clarkstown Residents to Conserve Water

While the water supply situation isn’t critical—yet—Rockland county officials are urging local residents and businesspeople to voluntarily conserve water now.

The immediate problem is below-average rainfall in August and September.

“Though this has not yet resulted in a critical water supply situation, reducing water use now can help to ensure we don’t run into trouble if rainfall remains below average as we head into late fall and early winter,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert in a written statement.

The county’s been struggling with water supply issues for years, through a U.S. Geological Survey 5-year study released in 2011, United Water’s proposal for a Hudson River desalinization plant, the agreement with New Jersey on the use of Lake DeForest and conservation alternatives., etc.

Check out some of the opinion pieces written on Patch on this topic:

My comments to the PSC Regarding Rockland’s Water Supply

Water...Control it and Control Rockland

Opinion: Rockland’s Water Supply Has Proven to Be Adequate

Cornell to PSC: Investigate UWNY Desal Proposal

Here are a few of the things you can do to save water, according to the county Health Department:

• Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth.

• Run your washer only with a full load of clothes.

• Repair leaking toilets, and consider replacing older toilets which can use far more water.

• Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under a running faucet.

• Turn off the faucet when hand-washing dishes.

Here’s the full text of the county’s press release:

County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert request residents and businesses be vigilant in their efforts to conserve water, as below-average rainfall in August and September has begun to impact Rockland’s water resources.

Reduced rainfall means there is less water available to replenish both ground water and surface water reserves.

“Though this has not yet resulted in a critical water supply situation, reducing water use now can help to ensure we don’t run into trouble if rainfall remains below average as we head into late fall and early winter,” said Dr. Ruppert.

Although rainfall in August and September was only about 30% of average, water usage during those months was lower than anticipated under such dry conditions. This suggests that Rockland has made water conservation a priority, and we thank everyone who has contributed by reducing their consumption.

However, with a little extra effort, we can further reduce the amount of water used on a day-to-day basis, both inside and outside our homes and businesses.

The Health Department offers some tips to save water:

• Repair leaking toilets, and consider replacing older toilets which can use far more water.

• Only flush the toilet when necessary, and never use the toilet as a wastebasket.

• Use a low-flow showerhead, and take short showers instead of tub baths.

• Avoid running the shower while shampooing or soaping. Many water saving shower heads come with a button to shut off flow.

• Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth.

• Run your washer only with a full load of clothes.

• Install faucet aerators on all of your faucets.

• Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under a running faucet.

• Turn off the faucet when hand-washing dishes.

• Use your dishwasher only when it is full, and use the shortest cycle that gets the dishes clean.

• Don’t run the tap each time to let the water get cold for drinking. Keep a pitcher chilled in the refrigerator.

• Turn off your automatic sprinklers for the season.

• Wash your car using a bucket. Use a self-closing nozzle on the hose so it runs only when needed.

• Sweep your driveway or walkway instead of washing it with a hose.

Water is a precious resource; use it wisely. Look throughout your home for ways to save, and think before using water unnecessarily. For more water saving tips from the Health Department, visit http:// rocklandgov.com/files/9214/1347/1966/SaveEveryDropFlier.pdf

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