Remember These Water Restrictions, Rockland Officials Urge

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert have been advised that there has been little decline in water usage since the Department of Health declared a Stage II water emergency a week ago.

They want to remind residents of the water mandatory restrictions in place. The water saving measures, which primarily affect outdoor water use, apply to all residents and businesses, regardless whether they get their water from a public water supplier such as SUEZ, Nyack or Suffern, or from their own private well.

And they focus on outdoor water use (lawns, gardens, pools, power-washing the driveway...). That can account for about 50 percent of water usage at this time of year, according to officials of Rockland's main water company, SUEZ.

RELATED: No Drop in Rockland Water Usage under Mandatory Restrictions

LAWNS:

• Lawns may be watered twice a week only on specified days. Properties with addresses ending in an odd number may water lawns during specific hours only on Mondays and Thursdays. Properties with an even number may water lawns during specific hours on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• The specified hours are between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems. For manual sprinklers or hose fed irrigation the hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• For example: If you live at 9 Main St., you can water your lawn during specified hours on Mondays and Thursday. If you live at 10 Main St., you can water during the specified times on Tuesdays and Fridays.

GARDENS AND LANDSCAPED AREAS:

• Flower gardens, vegetable gardens and landscaped areas (trees, shrubs, potted plants or other outdoor plants) can be watered during specific hours every other day of the month according to property address.
• Properties with odd numbered addresses may water on odd days of the month (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.) and properties with an even number may water on even days of the month (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) Mulching is recommended to preserve moisture.
• The specified hours are between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems. For manual sprinklers or hose fed irrigation the hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• For example: If you live at 9 Main St., you may water your garden or landscaped area during specific hours on July 27, 29, 31, Aug. 1, 3, 5, etc. If you live at 10 Main St., you may water your garden or landscaped area during specific hours on July 28, 30, Aug. 2, 4, 6, etc.

For the most up-to-date information call 845-364-2608 or visit RCDOH Drought Information web page. This web page also provides many helpful links on saving water and how to best preserve your landscaping when faced with dry conditions and limits on water use.

There is also a Drought category added on the Rockland County Department of Health Complaint Form to notify the Health Department if you see water leaks, or if you see water being used outside the allowable schedule.

Penalties of up to $2,000 per day will be assessed against people who violate the regulations.