The Suffolk County Water Authority is urging customers to immediately reduce water use as Long Island faces a severe drought and soaring temperatures ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend, conditions that have pushed demand on the water system close to record levels.
The U.S. Drought Monitor currently classifies Long Island as being in a severe drought, and SCWA officials say production facilities are already operating at full capacity. They warn that without voluntary conservation, the system could experience pressure drops that affect both customers and emergency responders.
According to the authority, the greatest strain on the water system occurs overnight and during the early morning hours when lawn irrigation systems are running. Heavy overnight use prevents water storage tanks from fully refilling before the day begins, leaving lower reserves available to maintain pressure throughout the distribution network.
Officials said low storage tank levels can reduce water pressure to homes and businesses while also limiting the amount of water available for firefighting operations. Because production facilities are already operating at capacity, there is no additional infrastructure available to meet increasing demand.
“It is exceptionally early in the summer season to experience severe drought and near-record water demand,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. “Without immediate reductions in water use, pressure drops will occur, compromising emergency fire response.”
Although the authority has not issued a formal Stage 1 Water Alert, it is asking customers to voluntarily follow its lawn watering schedule. Homes with odd-numbered street addresses should water only on odd-numbered calendar days, while even-numbered addresses should water only on even-numbered days. Lawn watering should also be avoided between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Our crews are working to maintain system pressure, but conservation is a shared responsibility,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. “Unchecked demand risks pressure drops that affect public safety and firefighting capabilities.”
With forecasts calling for continued hot, dry weather, SCWA officials said voluntary conservation will remain critical throughout the holiday weekend. Additional water conservation tips are available at SCWA's conservation page at www.scwa.com