Water Restrictions Continue as Hot Dry Weather Persists

With high temperatures and low rainfall the norm this summer, the water restrictions imposed six weeks ago in Mamaroneck and Scarsdale could  become harsher as water sources are stressed.

After the second hottest July on record followed one of the driest Junes, the New York City water supply  from which both towns get water is currently at 79 percent. At this time of year the supply normally stands at 87 percent. 

Mamaroneck officials say they could have to issue mandatory restrictions if the weather doesn't break. In Scarsdale, where restrictions on lawn-watering are already mandatory, police are receiving anonymous calls from neighbors turning each other in.

"In general, we are managing," said David Birdshall, Business Director at Westchester Joint Waterworks, which serves Mamaroneck. "People are adhering to the restrictions, and that does help. However, if weather conditions continue unabated for a few more weeks, we may have to entertain mandatory restrictions."

Scarsdale announced a mandatory alternate-day lawn-watering schedule last month. 

"Based on observations made by water department crews who drive around the village during various times of day, I would estimate that approximately 80 percent of villagers have been compliant," said Scarsdale Water Supervisor Jim Macri. "We have seen evidence—wet streets in front of homes—that people have been watering their lawns on days they shouldn't.  They're watering their lawn at 4 in the morning. Other people have called the department explaining that they will be away and unable to disable their underground irrigation system."  

Macri said every resident was mailed information regarding the mandatory restrictions, which included the lawn watering schedule. Currently, lawns located between the Bronx River Parkway and Post Road can be watered on Mondays and Thursdays; between Post Road and Wilmot Road/Palmer Avenue/Secor Road/Old Mamaroneck Road on Tuesdays and Fridays; between Wilmot Road/Palmer Avenue/Secor Road/Old Mamaroneck Road and the Mamaroneck border on Saturdays and Sundays. Properties using well water are free to water their lawns any day; however, a sign indicating that well water is being used must be on display and visible to the public. 

 As if things are not hot enough, they are getting even hotter. Although landscapers and horticulturists say stiff, brown grass will perk up with steady rain and less heat, in the absence of the former and too much of the latter, residents are anonymously reporting their neighbors with accusations of illegal water use.

According to Scarsdale Detective Servando Rodriguez, "We are not at liberty to discuss the number of calls made concerning reports of illegal water use, but, yes, there have been several.  Of course, all are anonymous."

Officers employ their own discretion when issuing violations said Rodriguez. "When a violation is issued, the accused must make an appearance in court, where a judge will determine the amount of the fine."  Officials in the Scarsdale Water Department have also been authorized to issue violations to individuals not adhering to the mandatory restrictions.

 Mamaroneck issued conservation measures, and residents and businesses have been asked to voluntarily conserve water. According to officials, "If usage is too high, it could result in reduced water pressure, disruptions in service, and possible mandatory restrictions similar to those put in place in drought situations." The north end of town in and around Old White Plains Road has been mentioned as an area experiencing a significant increase in water usage. The recommended restrictions include watering lawns and gardens every other day, refraining from washing cars, and limiting laundry and dishwashing to certain times of the day.

"Compliance with the voluntary restrictions has been helpful," Birdsall said. "If we continue to have a fair amount of dry days and high heat for the near future, our supply will be stressed."

The National Weather Underground recorded 4.43 inches of rain in July of this year compared to 4.24 inches in 2009. June 2009 saw accumulated rainfall reach 9.22 inches, while  June 2010 amassed a mere 2.29 inches of rain.

 Despite the number of scorching hot days last month, this July still just missed surpassing the record for the hottest month on record for the area. The title holder still remains July 1999, when the average temperature in New York swelled to 81.4 degrees, a mere tenth of a degree higher than this year's July mark of 81.3 degrees.  With sporadic rainfall and temperatures remaining high, all the region's residents are encouraged to limit their water use, particularly between the hours of 6-10 a.m. when water usage is considered to be at its peak. 

Overall, Westchester County officials report that supplies are being taxed by "the heat, overall lack of rain, and increased water use." 

A review of water conservation tips from Westchester County can be found here.

For information on water conservation in the Town of Mamaroneck check here.

For water restrictions in the Village of Scarsdale check here.