Conservation

It is important for all of us to conserve water to ensure that Long Island’s water supply is sustainable for future generations. The underground water system of Long Island has more than enough water for present water demands. By taking efforts to save water we will ensure that we will always have a safe and abundant water supply. Protecting our underground water supply will produce a cost savings to the consumer in terms of both water and energy bills (hot water).

During the warm weather months, outdoor water consumption increases dramatically. Whether it’s watering lawns, landscapes or gardens, you can have a lot of control over the amount of water you use at home — and how much you can save.

Together, we can develop good habits and sustainable practices to conserve our most precious natural resource now and into the future.

Take simple steps to help conserve water in and around their homes:

• Retrofit plumbing fixtures with flow restrictors
• Repair leaks in the home
• Install water conservation fixtures and appliances (view WaterSense labeled products)
• Maintain a daily awareness of water conservation in their personal habits
• Use a broom or leaf blower to clean driveways and sidewalks, not a hose
• Don’t let the hose run while washing your car

Conserving Water When Watering and for Irrigation Systems

• Repair leaks in hoses and install a water-saving shut-off nozzle
• Before watering, check the weather forecast – periods of cool, cloudy weather reduce the need to water and avoid watering your lawn on windy days
• Test each irrigation zone for leaks and have your irrigation system reviewed and tested by a professional
• Turn the irrigation system on during the day to see what you’re watering and readjust sprinkler heads that may be spraying water onto unwanted areas such as sidewalks, patios or driveways
• If you operate your irrigation system with an automatic timer, be sure to monitor it
• Ensure rain sensors are working properly

Water Conservation for Landscapes and Gardens

Overwatering your garden has consequences and can cause root fungus. Conserving water and using it wisely helps create healthy landscapes and hardier vegetation. Here are a few tips to consider at home:

• Choose ground covers that require less watering such as lavender, day lilies, marigolds and zinnias. Also choose drought resistant and native plants.
• Install a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle on each garden hose.
• Start a compost pile and add it to your garden. Mix in some wood chips or peat moss to boost water retention.
• Keep the length of your lawn approximately two inches long to help reduce evaporation and use less water.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn to retain water and to help the grass grow thicker.
• Choose water saving containers with low water use in mind. They look great and your plants require infrequent watering.
• Add mulch to cover bare soil and slow water evaporation. Two inches of mulch will retain soil moisture AND reduce weeds from sprouting.
• Water in-ground plantings in the morning and containers in the afternoon. Research shows that watering late in the day leads to healthier plants.

Nassau County Sprinkler Ordinance

Consumers should be aware that Nassau County Sprinkler Regulations are in effect.

• No Watering between 6am and 6pm.
• If you live at an EVEN numbered address then you can water on an EVEN numbered calendar date.
• If you live at an ODD numbered address then you can water on an ODD numbered calendar date.
• If you don’t have a numbered address then you can water on an EVEN numbered calendar date.
• Learn about Lawn Irrigation.