FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2022

Rockland County Declares Stage II Water Emergency

Mandatory Water Restrictions In Effect Thursday

New City, NY - County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert announce that a Modified Stage II Water Emergency is in effect beginning Thursday 8/18/2022 in Rockland County, implementing mandatory restrictions on water use.

Dry conditions have led to unprecedented flow levels in the Ramapo River which is limiting the use of Veolia’s Ramapo Valley Well Field, a significant source of water for Rockland residents. Rockland encountered a similar issue in 2016 and out of an abundance of caution, in tandem with recommendations from our water suppliers, the County is taking proactive measures to preserve water usage.

These water saving measures, which primarily impact outdoor water usage, apply to all residents and businesses, regardless of whether the water is from a public supplier or private well.

Mandatory Water Use Restrictions in Rockland County include:

Lawns

Lawns may be watered twice a week only on specified days. Properties with odd numbered addresses may water lawns during specific hours only on Mondays and Thursdays. Properties with even numbered addresses may water lawns during specific hours on Tuesdays and Fridays. Watering hours are between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems. For manual sprinklers or hose fed irrigation the hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. (NOTE: this schedule supersedes the schedule stated in the Rockland County Sanitary Code section 5.4.2.2)

Gardens & Landscape

Flower gardens, vegetable gardens and landscaped areas (trees, shrubs, potted plants or other outdoor plants) can be watered during specified hours every other day of the month according to property address. Properties with odd numbered addresses may water on odd days of the month (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.) and properties with even numbered addresses may water on even days of the month (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.). Watering hours are between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems. For manual sprinklers or hose fed irrigation the hours are between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Other Restrictions:

Continue to use water efficiently indoors with low-flow shower heads and toilets (look for the Water Sense label if purchasing new fixtures), fix any leaks, sweep rather than wash paved surfaces, run only full loads in washing machines and dish washers, don’t use toilets to dispose of tissues, and consider switching to high-efficiency appliances when it’s time for replacement.

Residents can notify the Health Department if you see water leaks or see water being used outside the allowable schedule at the following complaint form:

https://rocklandgov.com/departments/health/environmental-health/complaint-form/



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