Rockland County is currently experiencing unseasonably dry conditions this fall, with limited rainfall expected in the long-term forecast. While there are no immediate concerns regarding the county’s water supply, extended dry weather through the winter could place stress on water resources. The county has now entered a drought watch, the initial level in New York State’s four-tier drought advisory system: watch, warning, emergency, and disaster.
Thanks to above-average rainfall over the past year, water storage levels in the Lake DeForest reservoir remain near average for this time of year. Typically, cooler months allow surface and groundwater sources to replenish as water usage drops. However, if these dry conditions persist into winter, water availability could become a greater concern.
The Rockland County Department of Health has been closely monitoring water usage, which remains relatively low, though residents are encouraged to adopt water-saving measures to help protect drinking water resources and maintain water availability for firefighting efforts.
“Back in 2022, when the county faced a water emergency, the people of Rockland stepped up and reduced water usage by 15 percent,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Once again, I’m asking residents to do their part and conserve water until we surpass this drought.”
Sam Rulli, Director of Environmental Health, added, “Dry periods like this can heavily impact our water resources in spring and summer, but since this is happening in the fall, we still have time to recover. However, we can’t predict if this is just the beginning of an extended dry spell.”
Water Conservation Tips
The county encourages residents to adopt the following water conservation practices:
- Check for leaks: Inspect toilets, faucets, and pipes and fix any leaks immediately.
- Shorten showers: Reducing shower time helps conserve water.
For further water-saving tips, residents can visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) website.
Executive Order: Burn Ban in Effect
In response to these unusually dry conditions, an Executive Order Burn Ban has been issued as of November 1, 2024. This ban prohibits all outdoor burning activities, including brush, leaf, and yard debris burning, as well as the use of fire pits and campfires. The decision aims to mitigate the heightened risk of fire ignitions due to low humidity, recent lack of rainfall, and gusty winds.
The Rockland County Department of Health will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.
For more information on the drought watch, visit the official websites for Rockland County Conditions and the NYS DEC Press Release.