With temperatures rising and outdoor water use increasing, the Rockland County Water Advisory Council encourages residents to adopt simple irrigation and outdoor water conservation practices that can help protect local water resources throughout the summer months.

Outdoor water use can account for up to 70% of a household’s water demand during the summer months when lawns, gardens, and landscaping require additional attention. In Rockland County, average daily water demand can increase from approximately 30 million gallons per day to as many as 45 million gallons per day during warmer months. By making small changes in how they water their properties, residents can collectively make a meaningful reduction in unnecessary water use.

The Rockland County Water Advisory Council encourages homeowners to inspect irrigation systems and outdoor hoses regularly for leaks or damage before peak summer use begins. Even a small leak in an irrigation system can waste thousands of gallons of water each month. Residents using automatic sprinkler systems are also encouraged to install rain sensors or soil moisture sensors to prevent watering during or immediately after rainfall. Additional outdoor watering tips include:

● Water lawns and gardens before dawn or after dusk to reduce evaporation during the hottest parts of the day.

● Use water-conserving hose nozzles or drip irrigation systems to better control water flow.

● Water only when needed rather than on a fixed schedule.

● Check sprinklers at the beginning of the season for damage.

● Group plants with similar watering needs together to improve irrigation efficiency.

“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 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 Rockland County Water Advisory Council reminds residents that outdoor water conservation plays an important role in protecting local water quality. Excess runoff from overwatering can carry fertilizers, pesticides, soap residue, oil, and other pollutants into nearby storm drains and waterways. During the summer months, excess nutrients entering waterways can contribute to water quality issues, including Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).

Residents are encouraged to follow these simple steps to protect our waterways:

● Use a bucket or a hose with a shutoff nozzle when washing outdoor surfaces to avoid unnecessary water waste.

● Avoid washing vehicles in driveways whenever possible, as soap, oil, and other pollutants can enter nearby storm drains and waterways. Instead, choose a commercial car wash that captures and properly manages or recycles wash water.

● Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and patios instead of hosing them down.

● Avoid dumping leaves and grass clippings into storm drains, where they can contribute to localized flooding and increased nutrient pollution in waterways.

● When fertilizer is needed, choose phosphorus-free fertilizer products to help protect local waterways from excess nutrient runoff.

● Learn to recognize Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), avoid contact with affected water, and report suspected blooms through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's public reporting system. You can view the harmful Algal Blooms map here  and you can file a report here.

“These small everyday actions not only help conserve water, but also support cleaner streams, rivers, and drinking water sources throughout Rockland County,” Davidson added.

Recently, the Rockland County Water Advisory Council hosted its June Lunch & Learn webinar, “The Rivers in Our Backyard: Hudson and Hackensack” in recognition of National Rivers Month. The webinar explored the importance of these waterways to Rockland County, including current water quality conditions, conservation challenges, and community-based efforts to help protect these critical resources. Residents who were unable to attend the webinar live can watch the recording and access additional educational resources by visiting the WAC Youtube channel. 

To further support community education and outreach efforts, the Rockland County Water Advisory Council also recently launched an updated online water conservation resource hub featuring tips, conservation guidance, educational materials, webinar information, and links to additional resources. The website is designed to provide practical, easy-to-understand information that residents can use throughout the year to help protect Rockland County’s water resources. Head to https://rcklnd.us/waterhero to learn more about how you can become a Rockland County H20 Hero and sign up to attend upcoming webinars.

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.