As temperatures climb and outdoor water use increases, the Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to adopt smart watering habits and environmentally friendly car washing practices to help conserve water and protect local waterways throughout the summer.
According to the council, outdoor water use can account for as much as 70% of a household’s water consumption during the summer months. In Rockland County, daily water demand can rise from about 30 million gallons to as much as 45 million gallons as residents water lawns, gardens, and landscaping.
The council recommends homeowners inspect irrigation systems and outdoor hoses for leaks before peak summer use, noting that even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water each month. Residents with automatic sprinkler systems are also encouraged to install rain or soil moisture sensors to prevent unnecessary watering after rainfall.
Additional water-saving recommendations include watering lawns before sunrise or after sunset to reduce evaporation, using drip irrigation or water-conserving hose nozzles, watering only when necessary instead of on a fixed schedule, checking sprinklers for damage, and grouping plants with similar watering needs together.
“Outdoor water use can rise dramatically during the summer season—but residents may not realize how much water can be saved through small adjustments to watering habits,” said Water Advisory Council Chair Beth Davidson. “Simple practices like watering at the right time of day, checking irrigation systems for leaks, and using rain sensors can help conserve water while still maintaining healthy landscapes.”
The council also emphasized that responsible outdoor water use helps protect local water quality. Overwatering can carry fertilizers, pesticides, soap, oil, and other pollutants into storm drains, streams, and rivers, contributing to water pollution and increasing the risk of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
Residents are encouraged to use a bucket or hose with a shutoff nozzle when washing outdoor surfaces, avoid washing vehicles in driveways where runoff can enter storm drains, sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down, keep leaves and grass clippings out of storm drains, and choose phosphorus-free fertilizers when needed. The council also urges residents to learn how to recognize Harmful Algal Blooms, avoid affected waters, and report suspected blooms to New York State.
“These small everyday actions not only help conserve water, but also support cleaner streams, rivers, and drinking water sources throughout Rockland County,” Davidson added.
The Water Advisory Council recently hosted a June Lunch & Learn webinar, The Rivers in Our Backyard: Hudson and Hackensack, highlighting the importance of Rockland County’s waterways and ongoing conservation efforts. A recording, along with additional educational resources, is available on the council’s YouTube channel.
Residents can also visit the council’s updated online water conservation resource hub to access seasonal conservation tips, educational materials, webinar information, and learn how to become a Rockland County H2O Hero. The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
