Pearl River: Conserve Water during 2016 Holiday Season

PEARL RIVER, NY — Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert encourage all residents and businesses to continue to conserve water whenever possible during the holiday season, because the county still faces a water shortage.

Although public water resources are not at critical levels that currently require mandatory restrictions, drought conditions in Rockland County, along with much of the northeast, continue, they said. Even after some rain over the last couple of weeks, precipitation for the year is still more than seven inches below normal.

"Lake levels, as well as ground water levels, need to recover before next spring to avoid the need for mandatory restrictions," Day said in a press release. "Saving water now will help prevent problems next year."

The New York Public Service Commission has given Rockland County communities and water company SUEZ 10 years to aggressively pursue water conservation measures and make plans for meeting service area needs for the mid- and long-term.

But the idea of getting some extra water from New Jersey, an option SUEZ has repeatedly included as one of many in its submissions to the PSC, is meeting with outcry in the Garden State.

After the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission, the agency that operates the Wanaque Reservoir, said in mid November that it would consider selling "extra" water to Suez for use in Rockland, opposition swelled. The New Jersey Sierra Club came out against the idea of selling water to SUEZ, saying it would be used for development. Then NJ environmental officials said they would not approve such an idea as they are under drought conditions.

Rockland County officials offer residents these water saving tips:

• Make sure your toilets and water faucets aren't leaking
• Never use the toilet to dispose of tissues; flush only when needed
• Run only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers
• Don't leave the water running when washing dishes by hand, shaving or brushing your teeth
• Take short showers instead of tub baths
• Consider installing low-flow shower heads and toilets, and high efficiency appliances if it's time for replacements (look for the Water Sense label if purchasing new fixtures)
• Use heat tapes to prevent freezing of exposed pipes instead of letting the water run

"The options for water conservation may not be as obvious as in summer months, since we're no longer watering lawns and filling pools. However, with a little extra care, we can still save a significant amount of water indoors," said Dr. Ruppert. "Everyone should make the extra effort, and do your part to conserve."

For more information, call the Health Department at (845) 364-2608 or visit its website or the EPA website.

SEE ALSO:

• No New Jersey Water for Rockland During Drought: NJ Environmental Officials
  
• NJ Sierra Club Opposes Suez Plan to Buy Water for Rockland