Despite one of the hottest years on record, the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) successfully managed water demand without experiencing the stress typically seen during peak summer usage. In past years, SCWA often faced peak demands up to 540,000 gallons per minute (gpm). This summer, however, demand never exceeded 520,000 gpm and rarely surpassed 510,000 gpm.
SCWA credits this success to customers embracing water conservation measures, particularly the odd/even lawn watering schedule. This proven approach significantly reduces water demand without compromising lawn health. The schedule encourages residents with odd-numbered street addresses to water on odd-numbered days, and those with even-numbered addresses on even days, promoting a balanced and sustainable water usage pattern.
In addition to the watering schedule, SCWA has seen more residents installing smart sprinkler controllers and other water-saving technologies. These smart controllers automatically adjust sprinkler usage based on real-time weather conditions, helping reduce overall water consumption.
"While water demand is closely tied to precipitation patterns, it's clear that conservation efforts are beginning to have a measurable impact," said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. "This summer showed the dedication of Suffolk County residents in protecting our most precious resource."
SCWA is also working to shift the culture of water overuse in Suffolk County through a comprehensive advertising campaign. This multi-year effort aims to raise awareness and encourage long-term changes in water habits across the region.
"We're encouraged by the progress we've made so far, but this is only the beginning," said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. "Through ongoing education and community engagement, we aim to make water conservation a regular part of everyday life."
While Long Island’s aquifer remains plentiful, certain areas, particularly on the East End, are more sensitive to changes in water levels. Even a modest drop in the water table can dry up streams and wetlands, which has a major impact on local ecology. Additionally, high demand can overtax water infrastructure, sometimes leaving residents with low water pressure. By reducing overall water use, SCWA can avoid the need for costly infrastructure expansions to meet rising demand.
About the Suffolk County Water Authority:
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.