Suffolk County Water Authority Issues Stage 1 Water Alert

SCWA Issues Stage 1 Water Alert

Encourages residents to conserve where possible, adjust irrigation timers

As a result of this week’s high temperatures and the recent drought warning issued by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for New York State, the Suffolk County Water Authority is asking its customers to conserve water whenever possible. 

Residential and commercial irrigation systems operating between the hours of 2 to 7 a.m. represent the most significant drain on SCWA resources. Therefore the Authority is asking customers to please adjust irrigation system timers to operate during evening hours from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Keeping non-essential water use to a minimum is critical during this time of the summer, when SCWA pumps are fighting to keep up with peak demand. Non-essential uses include the washing of  vehicles, streets, sidewalks, driveways, or other outdoor areas, in addition to filling up inflatable pools, and using water for ornamental purposes such as fountains, artificial waterfalls or reflecting pools. 

It is important to note that a Stage 1 Water Alert is not a state of emergency, but rather a request that customers use water resources judiciously and efficiently. Participation in water conservation efforts is purely voluntary. This alert follows SCWA’s East End Water Conservation initiative which was announced in May.

Water Authority Chairman James F. Gaughran said he hopes residents will step up and “do their part” this week, to help keep Suffolk County’s water supply flowing strong. 

“During the hot summer months, one of the most important things Suffolk residents can do is make sure they are not wasting water,” Gaughran said. “SCWA is proud to provide some of the highest quality and most affordable drinking water in the country, and with your help, we will only improve on that mission.”    

For questions contact the SCWA Customer Service line at (631) 698-9500. 

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York.  Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.