This fall, the Suffolk County Water Authority is reminding customers to please remember to reduce outdoor water use as temperatures start to drop. Lawn irrigation accounts for the vast majority of water use system-wide, so Suffolk residents are encouraged to save water and money by turning off automatic irrigation systems.
“It’s really a no-brainer,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. “Overwatering of lawns really puts a strain on our infrastructure in the summer, and there’s no reason to continue that into the fall. It’s a win-win for everyone if more people would turn irrigation systems off this time of year.”
Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall in autumn mean plants require less water. Turning off outdoor hose spigots and checking for household leaks is also recommended. You can do this by inspecting the interior and exterior of your home for small cracks and leaks in plumbing and fixtures. Insulating water pipes in unheated areas is also a good way to prevent potential damage due to freezing once winter hits.
To reduce water use indoors, consider checking for cracks in toilets. You can do this by placing a few drops of food dye in the top tank, avoid flushing for 10-15 minutes, and if the dye appears in the bowl without flushing, your toilet is using water when it shouldn’t be.
For more helpful tips on how to winterize your home, visit www.OurWaterOurLives.com
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.