Community Corner

Play Nice When Using Water, Group Urges

Don't be a water hog.

That's the message from the Long Island Water Conference, which points out that being smart about water use saves electrical energy, improves overall water pressure and ensures sufficient water supply for firefighting needs.

Residents are asked to reduce water use during the peak hours of 4 a.m. to8 a.m.

“The Long Island Water Conference knows that water and summer go hand, so during this time of year we ask our residents to be thoughtful and try to moderate their water usage,” said Michael Boufis, chairman of the LIWC. “Conservation efforts help ensure that there is a plentiful supply of water for all of the members of our community as well as having a reserve for fire protection.”

Water usage on a hot summer day is 400% greater than that on a typical spring day. Nassau County residents should follow odd-even regulations for lawn watering. Dix Hills and Riverhead residents should follow their water districts' voluntary odd-even policies.

All Long Islanders can follow these simple steps to do their part in the effort:

  • Reduce water consumption in a conventional toilet by adding a dam to the tank, which will fill up some of the space in the tank so less water is used.  Several types of the commercially made tank dams are available, or you can fill a plastic bottle with water and set it in the tank away from the float.
  • Shut the faucet off while brushing your teeth or shaving until you are ready to rinse. You could save about 100 gallons of water a month.
  • Take a shorter shower or install a low-flow showerhead. You could save about 450 gallons a month.
  • Check for leaking faucets, toilets or pipes around the house to cut water waste.


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