Residents and Businesses Asked to Conserve Water

Despite the recent rainfall that was heavy at times, water supplies in Westchester are being stretched thin due to the heat, overall lack of rain and increased water use. In addition, some water suppliers are impacted by construction projects to improve their systems' ability to meet community needs.

One construction project affects the 75,000 residents of White Plains, North Castle, Scarsdale and Yonkers who are served by County Water District #1. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) is doing work inside the Kensico Dam. During the ongoing construction, District 1 has been receiving its water from a diversion system that was set up by the NYCDEP. The system has limitations on how much water can be drawn through it.

Residents and businesses in these communities are asked to conserve water. If usage is too high, it could result in reduced water pressure, disruptions in service and possible mandatory restrictions, similar to those put in place in drought situations.

Many other communities have already implemented some mandatory and voluntary restrictions on water usage. Peak water usage each day occurs during the morning hours. Therefore all residents are encouraged to limit their water usage, particularly between 6 and 10 a.m.

Communities with restrictions are the following:

  • The City of White Plains has issued water use restrictions on lawn and garden watering, car washing and use of hoses to wash driveways and sidewalks.
  • The Village of Scarsdale has restricted lawn watering to two days per week for all properties served by the water district.
  • Other water suppliers that have implemented water use restrictions this summer include Bedford, Croton, Mount Kisco, Mount Pleasant and Westchester Joint Water Works (serving Harrison, Mamaroneck Town and Village, and portions of New Rochelle and Rye).

    To reduce water usage, residents are advised to do the following:
  • Follow local lawn watering restrictions and do not water between 6 and 10 a.m.
  • Take shorter showers
  • Fix leaks
  • Avoid unnecessary toilet flushes
  • Don't run water while shaving or brushing your teeth.

Additional tips on water conservation can be found at www.westchestergov.com/wateragency.

For other information, residents should contact their water supplier or the Westchester County Water Agency at (914) 995-4425.