Task Force Conservation Initiatives
SPECIAL ANNOUCEMENT - Be an H2O Hero Conservation Campaign!
Be part of Rockland’s effort to save water and safeguard our future - Be an H2O Hero!
Our new Conservation Campaign website is now live at https://rcklnd.us/waterhero — featuring practical steps,
community initiatives, and resources to help you make a difference by protecting our drinking
water supply and saving money on your water bill!
For Task Force updates, documents, and ongoing projects, please return to this central information page.
Adoption of new name!
The Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management announced that it has formally adopted a new name, Rockland County Water Advisory Council, as part of a broader effort to clarify its mission and align with recent updates to its enabling legislation. The updated legislation modernizes and clarifies the organization’s authorities, membership, and responsibilities, ensuring it can continue to serve as a stakeholder network to effectively and transparently develop and implement a sustainable long-term water supply plan for the County. Please find the signed resolution # 248 of 2026, Amending the laws of Rockland County, Chapter 178, Water Resources Management, to reform the Rockland County Water Advisory Council and rescinding resolution no. 296 of 2014.
Water Conservation Plan
Rockland County Water Task Force completed the Comprehensive Water Conservation and Implementation 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.
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
The Water Conservation Education Program, also known as Measure 5 in the Plan, is an active program administered by Task Force Staff. The program is designed to increase awareness and education on the importance of water conservation in Rockland County. Each presentation includes Rockland-specific data such as average daily demand/supply, water sources, the impacts of climate change on water systems, and the benefits of conserving water. Presentations are generally 10-15 minutes long and can be paired with an activity (trivia or water conservation jeopardy). All public presentations are free of charge.
A structured water conservation education program collaboration is currently being offered to all Rockland County public and private schools, grades 6-12. Educators interested in having a water conservation presentation for their students should reach out to the Water Conservation Coordinator at least two weeks prior to a preferred date.
The Water Conservation Education Program is also open to additional audiences such as college students, adults/seniors, local municipalities, planning/zoning boards, businesses owners, environmental advocacy groups, and all others who utilize Rockland’s water systems.
If you are interested in learning more about our FREE programs, please complete the following Request for Educational Presentations form.
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.