Riverhead Officials Encourage Residents to Conserve Water

Due to the extreme heat and drought conditions, Riverhead Water District Water Superintendent Mark Conklin asked town residents to conserve water and limit lawn irrigation until the current heat wave breaks.

According to Town Supervisor Sean Walter, the sunshine, warm temperatures and limited rainfall are stressing the capacity of the local wells.

“I believe it is only common sense that we ask our citizens and businesses to limit watering their lawns and to curb water use in general,” he said.

Walter asked every resident to “consider the current drought condition before they turn on the tap.”

“The combination of record breaking hot dry weather has caused an unprecedented amount of lawn irrigation to occur and we need to be mindful of our water reserves since these weather conditions increase the potential for fires,” Conklin said. “It really is a matter of public safety to limit water usage to be sure we can meet the demand in times of unforeseen emergencies.”

Due to irrigation of larger commercial properties, the majority consumption of water is between midnight and 8 a.m.

Therefore, residents, particularly those with automated sprinkler systems, are strongly encouraged to not water their lawns during those hours.