The Port Washington Water District announced strict water conservation measures that are being put in place to help meet demand during peak usage time.
The move comes as three supply wells are being taken offline to construct new treatment systems, the district said last week.
“Residents within the [district] must conserve during the hotter months or the district will not be able to meet all of the community’s water needs,” a statement from the district said.
The measures, which also have been mailed to each resident, are aimed at reducing water consumed by irrigation systems and lawn sprinklers, which the district adds a nearly 150 percent increase in water consumption throughout the spring and summer months.
Commissioner David Brackett said the district’s capacity to deliver water has been affected by their simultaneous efforts to treat emerging contaminants.
“Irrigation systems put a significant strain on the distribution system, even when every supply well is operational,” Brackett said. “The required changes to our irrigation policies will help us overcome these challenges during the peaks of water pumping season.”
Chief among the restrictions are mandates that have been placed on the times of day each of the district’s service territories can irrigate. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., municipal and commercial properties will water, followed by the Village of Manorhaven and parts of Flower Hill west of Route 101 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The next two hours will see Baxter Estates and Plandome Manor irrigate, and from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., Port Washington North and parts of Flower Hill east of Route 101 will water. Finally, all unincorporated areas of Port Washington will be allowed to water from 3 a.m. to 5 am.
Commissioner Mindy Germain said that the flattening measures will only work if all residents comply.
“The old saying ‘it takes a village’ is truly applicable to our current situation,” Germain said. “If everyone does their part while we construct these state-of-the-art treatment systems, we can meet the needs of our community and protect and preserve our only water source.”
The district is also requiring residents to adhere to Nassau County’s Lawn Watering Ordinance, which prohibits lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In addition, the ordinance states that odd-numbered addresses may only water on odd-numbered dates, and while even-numbered or non-numbered addresses may only water on even-numbered dates.
“The Port Washington Water District would like to thank all of its residents in advance for their cooperation and understanding during this challenging time,” Germain said. “While the compliance with these new regulations may cause an inconvenience, it is imperative that they are followed for the benefit of our entire community.”
