Mandatory Water Restrictions Remain in Effect

by Rockland Daily Staff

Rockland County reminds residents that a Modified Stage II Water Emergency remains in effect in Rockland County, requiring residents to implement mandatory restrictions on water use.

These water-saving measures, which primarily impact outdoor water usage, apply to all residents and businesses, regardless of whether the water is from a public supplier or a private well.

Dry conditions sparked unprecedented flow levels in the Ramapo River, limiting the use of Veolia’s Ramapo Valley Well Field, a significant source of water for Rockland residents.

The drought emergency triggered a “drought rate” in Veolia’s operating tariff, which goes into effect after 30 days, on September 17, resulting in a 25% surcharge for water usage only if usage is above the thresholds previously mentioned.

The drought rate was implemented by the New York Public Service Commission to encourage families to reduce water usage, and concerns about the surcharge need to be sent to the PSC directly:

“I am happy to report average usage is down 11.4% since the declaration was enacted," says County Executive Ed Day. “I thank our residents and businesses for acting swiftly and urge everyone to continue conserving water usage. We are all in this together and will only get out of it through our collective efforts.”

Photo: Flickr