Task Force Conservation Initiatives

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Water Conservation Plan

Rockland County Water Task Force completed the County Conservation Plan (the "Plan") and presented it to the Task Force in a public meeting on February 19, 2020. Subsequently, it was presented to and accepted by the County Legislature on March 3, 2020, in resolution 97 of 2020. The resolution was later signed by the County Executive, acknowledging and accepting the county-wide Conservation Plan. Rockland County Water Conservation Plan 2020

The plan outlines 20 measures for stakeholders at the government, academic, business, and community level to participate in and help the County meet its water conservation goals. Water Conservation Coordinator, Ariana Polanco, is leading this effort.

Education Programs

Task Force staff continue to develop youth and adult education lessons to help promote water conservation and increase understanding of Rockland’s drinking water resources. If you are interested in learning more about our FREE programs, please contact polancar@co.rockland.ny.us.

_{Photo credit: Haverstraw Brick Museum. Water Conservation Coordinator connects with community members on ways to conserve water at Annual Haverstraw Brick Museum Earth Day Event 2024.}

Water Conservation Tips

Voluntary water conservation practices can be taken throughout the year by residents, business owners, land managers, academic institutions, schools, and government facilities. When we reduce indoor and outdoor water use, we decrease stress on our drinking water systems. Water conservation practices are especially important during drought alerts.

Indoor water use

Upgrade indoor plumbing devices with EPA WaterSense and Energy Star certified washers, toilets, and showerheads to reduce water use and receive rebates. For Veolia customers, utilize the Conserve Veolia Rebate Program before December 31, 2024 to receive a rebate
Fix leaks in your plumbing, faucets, and hoses
Take shorter showers or fill your bathtub halfway for baths
Do not flush toilet unnecessarily, dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet
Run dishwasher and washing machine only when you have full loads and use the “light wash” feature when possible
Do not run the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands
Wash produce with a bowl of water rather than running water from the tap

Outdoor water use

Upgrade outdoor irrigation systems with EPA WaterSense and Energy Star certified devices to reduce water use and receive rebates. For Veolia customers, utilize the Conserve Veolia Rebate Program before December 31, 2024 to receive a rebate
Avoid watering on rainy days. Water lawns only when necessary and choose watering methods that avoid waste. Water at dawn and dusk to reduce evaporation and optimize soil hydration
Establish a two-day per week watering schedule for landscapes and gardens
Install a rain sensor in your sprinkler and irrigation system to prevent overwatering
Capture and recycle rainwater with a rain barrel for watering plants and lawns
Avoid washing vehicles or hosing down sidewalks, sweep driveways instead
Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water
Businesses are encouraged to develop a water emergency operations plan to understand daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal use, prioritize critical operations, authorize staff to activate in case of an emergency, develop procedures for emergency shut offs, and more

Additional Water Conservation Resources

Election Results

Water Conservation Plan