Water Conservation
Introduction
Did you know that a human being can live approximately one month without food but can only survive five to seven days without water? Not only does nature’s most precious resource provide sustenance for all living things but it also aids in everyday tasks such as bathing, cooking and swimming. With so many vital uses, it seems only fitting that all water consumers understand where the region’s water supply comes from.
Here, Westbury Water District consumers will find in-depth information about the sole source of Long Island’s drinking water – the aquifer. Learn about the intricate path your drinking water takes to reach the tap in your home, the steps in the water cycle and how residents can contribute to the preservation of Long Island’s public drinking water supply.
Water Conservation
Conserving water is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and a great way to help preserve the earth’s most precious resource. Westbury water consumers are encouraged to adopt conservation habits for inside the home as well as outdoors.
The following are a few simple household tips that can help save water:
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
- Keep your shower under five minutes.
- Wash full loads of laundry instead of small loads.
- Set your dishwasher to a short cycle instead of a long cycle.
- Install a water conservation device in your toilet, such as a toilet dam.
Quick Water Conservation Facts
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways.
- Make sure sprinklers irrigate the lawn – not the side of the house, street or sidewalk.
- Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of using running water.
- Avoid unnecessary evaporation by covering pools and hot tubs.
- Place a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running tap water for a cool drink.
- To avoid frozen pipes in the winter, drain underground sprinkler systems and outdoor hoses, insulate pipes located in poorly heated areas and make sure the cover on the water meter is tightly secured.
- Plant flowers, trees and bushes that can prosper with little water such as forsythia bushes, lilacs, pine trees and African daises.
- Do it yourself! Fixing a leaky toilet could save 500 gallons of water a month as well as the cost of hiring a plumber.
- Install spray nozzles on all outdoor hoses.
Westbury Water District Urges Community to Conserve Water During Peak Pumping Months
Conservation and Preservation for Tomorrow Starts Today
Westbury Water District (WWD) is reminding the community that in the heat of summer it is important to be extra mindful of water consumption and conservation. May through September are the peak months for water pumping, when outdoor usage, including recreational use, lawn and landscaping, as well as commercial irrigation, place the greatest demands on the District’s infrastructure. During these warm months, especially during July through August, water usage is 8 to 10 times greater than water usage during the winter. Excessive use of water places great stress on its distribution systems.
The Westbury Water District has set a goal of reducing water pumpage by 15 percent during these peak pumping months in accordance with a request from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). “We encourage our consumers to do their part to help us meet this objective,” stated William C. Olson, Chairman of the Board, Westbury Water District. “Protecting our water supply for generations to come is important for all of us and it benefits our entire community.”
“Water conservation not only assists in ensuring supply, delivery and proper flow, but also reduces environmental impacts that have reverberating effects throughout our entire ecosystem,” added Water Commissioner Rodney Caines. Westbury falls under Nassau County’s sprinkler ordinance, and observes the ‘even day, even address irrigation,’ and ‘odd day, odd address irrigation’ rules, with no irrigation of any properties allowed between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a number of tips to help consumers conserve water at www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving, and the Westbury Water District reminds our community that the utility is most successful when everyone participates.