Rye, Rye Brook, Port Chester Water Customers Being Asked to Voluntarily Cease Outdoor Watering

Customers of SUEZ water company are being asked to voluntarily stop or limit watering outdoors.

The affected communities are Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester.

The outdoor watering includes using irrigation systems, sprinklers, and soaker hoses. Customers can continue watering activities using a hand-held hose for the time being.

Chris Graziano, vice president and general manager, noted that SUEZ purchases water for customers in its Rate District 2 water system, which covers Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester, from Aquarion Water Company.

On Friday, Aquarion implemented a mandatory ban for customers it serves in four Connecticut communities which use the same water supply.

Aquarion noted that Connecticut’s drought level has recently been upgraded to a “severe drought” for most of the state due to an extended dry spell, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). With below average rainfall and extremely high water demand, water levels in Aquarion’s reservoirs are continuing to decline.

“We are joining Aquarion in asking customers to turn off their irrigation systems and sprinklers for the season,” said Graziano. “We are doing this to ensure that we have an adequate water supply for everyday use and fire protection.”

Graziano noted that customers in the Rate District 1 water system receive their water from the New York City Water System which has a sufficient supply of water. Customers in Bronxville, Tuckahoe, North Pelham, Pelham Manor, Ardsley, Hastings on Hudson and Dobbs Ferry are not directly impacted by this request, though. However, SUEZ is reminding them to use water wisely.

Lawn irrigation and outdoor watering can increase system demands by as much as 50 percent. Here are some additional conservation tips:

• Use a broom, not a hose, to clear debris from sidewalks.
• Set your lawn mower one notch higher.
• Longer grass allows less evaporation.
• Cover your pool to reduce evaporation.
• Wash your car with soap and water from a bucket.
• For more conservation tips, visit mysuezwater.com.

SUEZ serves about 146,000 people in Rate District 1 and 54,000 people in Rate District 2.

Image via Shutterstock.