Take Action to Preserve Plainview This Smart Irrigation Month!

Plainview, N.Y.—The Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to remind residents that July is Smart Irrigation Month, a time dedicated to promoting efficient watering practices. This month highlights the significant benefits of smart controllers, which can reduce water usage by irrigation systems by up to 30 percent. During the hot and dry summer, water usage across the District spikes, largely due to increased irrigation. Through its Preserve Plainview initiative, the District aims to educate residents on water-saving techniques for their homes and businesses.

“During the summer months, we see a significant increase in water usage, primarily due to over-irrigation,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “Smart irrigation systems can be game-changers in this regard. These devices adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels, ensuring that landscapes receive just the right amount of water. We strongly encourage all residents and businesses within the District to prioritize conservation efforts and integrate best practices into their daily routines. Through these actions, we can make a substantial impact on preserving our water source and alleviating unnecessary pressure on our infrastructure.”

Water consumption in the Plainview-Old Bethpage community nearly triples during the summer months. Water conservation will not only reduce unnecessary water waste and save residents money, but it will significantly decrease excess pumpage of the aquifer. Conservation also lowers the stress put on the District’s groundwater wells and treatment systems, helping the District’s infrastructure operate efficiently throughout the season.

The Plainview Water District strongly recommends considering swapping your standard automatic irrigation timer with a smart irrigation controller to help increase conservation efforts locally. Smart controllers use a Wi-Fi connection to tap into local weather stations to automatically adjust watering schedules based on past, present and future local weather conditions. This ensures that lawns and gardens only receive the precise amount of water they need in order to stay lush and green with very little user intervention needed.

“Smart irrigation controllers are invaluable for efficient watering,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “These tools tailor watering schedules to local conditions, significantly reducing water usage. The District hopes residents and businesses throughout the POB community will consider adopting this technology. Doing so not only supports our water conservation goals but also helps lower water bills during the high-use summer months. Smart controllers are a win-win for both the shared environment and residents’ wallets.”

“Implementing simple water practices across the community can create a significant positive impact,” said the PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “We can utilize technology in our homes, such as smart irrigation controllers, to support responsible water consumption. These devices not only optimize water usage but also contribute to healthier, more resilient lawns. By integrating smart irrigation into our daily routines, we support sustainable practices and benefit both our environment and our landscapes.”

Here are some simple ways to conserve water this summer:

• Follow Nassau County’s Lawn Watering Ordinance
  • Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Odd-numbered homes can only water on odd-numbered days.
  • Even and non-numbered homes can only water on even-numbered days.
• Install a rain sensor or check that your current rain sensor is functioning properly.
• Use a drip irrigation system to limit water lost through evaporation and improve the amount of water delivered to root systems.
• Consider planting drought-resistant shrubs and flowers in your garden or mulch around existing flower beds to retain additional water.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please call the District at 516-931-6469, email info@plainviewwater.org or visit www.plainviewwater.org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives.