In 1978, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated Long Island, a Sole Source Aquifer because of its total dependence on groundwater for its water supply. The conservation of this resource continues to be crucial to the future of Long Island.

Nearly 40 years later, in January 2016, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation directed all public water suppliers on Long Island to develop plans to reduce peak water consumption (e.g. summer water demand) by 15 percent over the next three to four years and to submit reports on their plans and progress.

The following information summarizes the progress and plans outlined in the information submitted by the Long Island water suppliers to the DEC around April 2017:

Non-revenue WaterThere were several actions that nearly all water suppliers reported on. One issue was tracking the amount of water that is pumped from the aquifers but is lost from the water system or is unaccounted for. Water suppliers now refer to this as non-revenue water. This is water the does not reach the customer or generate a payment to the water supplier. A typical level of non-revenue water for a water system is 10 percent. Eleven suppliers reported levels that were above the industry standard of 10 percent.

Reducing Water ConsumptionMost suppliers are installing new or upgraded water meters that have enhanced features such as remote reading and time of use metering. The new meters provide more accurate information about water use and help improve water use tracking by suppliers.

Old water meters tend to undercount water use. Unusual spikes in water consumption due to leaks can be detected more quickly with the new meters. Year-to-year comparisons of water use are also easier to generate and report to customers by using the new meters.

Tiered water rates are becoming the industry standard on Long Island. A tiered rate structure is one that charges higher amounts for a given quantity of water as consumption increases. This is a good tool for promoting water conservation.

Top 10 Water Users in each water system is reported by most water suppliers. Some water providers are contacting their top 10 and offering them assistance to reduce their water use through actions such as water audits and water conservation strategies.

Lawn irrigation and outdoor water use is the single highest water-demanding activity reported by most water customers. Water use in cold months is viewed as the baseline water demand level, representing indoor water consumption.

The aquifers and water infrastructure systems are most stressed during the warm summer months when large amounts of water are used for irrigation. Pumpage in summer is 2 to 3 times greater than groundwater pumpage in the winter.

Also of note are the benefits of landscaping with native or drought-tolerant plants, including low-maintenance grasses.

Reducing indoor water demand is promoted by many suppliers who may offer water conservation kits, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Some districts promote the U.S. EPA WaterSense program that provides information to help customers find water-saving devices and practices. Products that can reduce water use by at least 20% or more can display the WaterSense logo.

Additional benefits of conserving are reported by water suppliers. Pumping and treating water requires a significant amount of energy and other resources. For example, the Suffolk County Water Authority reported that in winter, it can operate with fewer than 100 wells, but in summer over 600 wells are needed to meet demand.

SCWA is the largest energy consumer in Suffolk County in the summer. A similar demand for energy in summer is likely created by water suppliers in Nassau County. Using less water reduces demand on the energy grid, and saves money on chemicals and other treatment costs.

Note: In the summer of 2019, various water suppliers promoted the use of smart irrigation system controls that help to reduce or stop irrigation when lawns do not need additional water.

(Elizabeth Bailey prepared this report.)

Read more:
Earth Matters: Long Island Water suppliers' plans for reducing peak water consumption - Blog - The Island Now

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November 29, 2019 at 12:48 pm by Mr HomeBuilder
Category: Lawn Treatment