The Suffolk County Water Authority is urging East End residents to immediately reduce water use as severe drought conditions, an approaching heat wave and reduced water production capacity strain the public water system ahead of the busy holiday weekend.
The request is especially urgent for customers in East Hampton, where two public supply wells are currently offline and two additional wells are operating under emergency protocols. According to SCWA, the loss of the two offline wells has reduced local water production capacity by about 8%, while heavy overnight lawn irrigation has left water storage tanks at low levels each morning.
Officials warned that low tank levels can reduce water pressure, limiting water flow to homes and potentially affecting fire protection.
SCWA said it is working with Suffolk County officials to maintain adequate water pressure through the Fourth of July holiday.
“As we face extreme heat and dry conditions, I urge all East End residents to conserve water whenever possible,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said in a statement. “Simple steps taken today will help protect our water supply and ensure this vital resource remains available for our communities throughout the summer.”
The authority is asking residents to avoid unnecessary lawn watering and conserve water indoors whenever possible. Customers who must irrigate their lawns are reminded to follow the mandatory odd-even watering schedule:
- Odd-numbered addresses may water only on odd-numbered calendar days.
- Even-numbered addresses may water only on even-numbered calendar days.
- No lawn watering is permitted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz said the system is facing “unprecedented early-season demand” while several key wells remain unavailable, increasing the risk of pressure drops if water use is not reduced.
East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez also called on residents, businesses and visitors to do their part by limiting outdoor water use and following the watering restrictions.
More information about indoor and outdoor water conservation is available at scwa.com/conservation.