A message from Jeff Szabo, Chief Executive Officer of the Suffolk County Water Authority
Last week, the Suffolk County Water Authority issued a Stage 1 Water Alert for the 1.2 million people we serve across Suffolk County. This is not something we do lightly. The alert follows several weeks of extreme water demand that have pushed our system to its limits, particularly during the early morning hours, when automated sprinkler systems turn on across the county.
The situation is serious: if this demand continues during the early morning hours, water pressure for fire hydrants and emergency services will be reduced.
Behind the scenes, our Production Control team is working around the clock to meet this demand. SCWA builds the distribution system for peak demand days. However, the demand continues to increase. Every well that can be running is running. Pressure zones are constantly adjusted. Water is moved strategically across our distribution system to keep tanks from running dry. But there’s only so much the system can give when everyone uses water at the same time.
So why not just build more wells to meet peak demand? First, we must protect our sole source aquifer. Overdrawing it would threaten water quality and future availability. Second, building new wells and facilities to support the highest possible demand—demand that typically exists on a few summer mornings each year—would cost millions of dollars. That cost would be passed on to our customers in the form of higher rates. It simply isn’t sustainable.
That’s why conservation is so important. We’re asking customers to eliminate unnecessary water use and strictly follow the odd/even lawn watering schedule. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s the most effective tool we have to immediately reduce demand and protect water availability for essential uses.
Most customers already water their lawns every other day, which is good. The problem is when they do it. The majority of residents default to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. When everyone waters at the same time, it causes massive strain on our system, leading to dangerously low tank levels. The odd/even schedule splits demand in half—spreading it more evenly across the week and giving our tanks time to recover between peaks.
The consequences of ignoring this guidance are real. When tanks run low, pressure drops. That means your faucet or shower may come out at a trickle. And that same low pressure affects fire hydrants, which rely on strong, sustained water flow to be effective during emergencies. This is not just about lawn health—it’s about community safety.
We’re also asking customers to stop all watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when evaporation is highest and water is wasted. Fix leaks promptly, delay car washing, and avoid using hoses to clean sidewalks or driveways. Every gallon saved makes a difference.
At SCWA, we’re doing everything in our power to keep the system running smoothly and ensure water is there when you need it. But we cannot do it alone. Conservation must be part of the solution, and we all have a role to play.
To learn more about the odd/even watering schedule and other tips to reduce water use, visit www.scwa.com/conservation. Let’s work together to protect Suffolk County’s most vital resource—not just for today, but for the future.