Rockland Officials Call for Voluntary Water Restrictions

County officials requested Wednesday that residents and businesses pay particular attention to saving water.

“Rockland County has experienced below-average rainfall and near-record temperatures,” said County Executive Day. “It’s important for all residents to conserve water at home, at work and even when recreating outdoors.”

Below-average rainfall in July, and particularly in August, has begun to stress Rockland’s water resources, officials said. Reduced rainfall means less water 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 will help to ensure we don’t run into trouble if rainfall stays below average as we head into fall and early winter,” said the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

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, officials said.

Click here for more water saving tips from the Health Department.