Water company requests odd/even watering

With the summer heat intensifying and water demand on the rise, New York American Water is asking its Nassau County customers to schedule their outdoor watering on an odd-even basis to avoid the potential of water use restrictions.

“Odd/even watering now will help us manage a finite supply of water, yet our customers will still be able to maintain healthy lawns and vegetation,” said Brian Bruce, the water company’s president. “In past years, our customers have helped reduce water demands when we’ve asked, and we thank them in advance for their cooperation this year.”

In accordance with Nassau County Public Health Ordinance, outdoor watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. New York American Water encourages evening irrigation between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

• Water your lawn or garden only on odd days of the month if your street address is an odd number (i.e., 23 Oak St., 7 Maple Ave.)

• Water only on even days of the month if your street address is an even number (i.e., 6 Oak St., 354 Maple Ave.)

This odd-even system would not apply to the watering of sod or newly seeded lawns if daily watering is required (note: it is recommended that any planting of new sod or seed that has not already taken place be delayed until the fall); use of private wells for lawn irrigation; commercial uses of outdoor water, such as for nurseries, farm stands, power washing, plumbing, and commercial car washes; and watering of athletic fields.

While New York American Water is encouraging efficient outdoor water use at this time, if water demands continue to significantly increase or supplies continue to significantly decrease, formal and more strict water restrictions may be needed to ensure continued water service.

For more information and more tips on how to conserve water, visit www.newyorkamwater.com or facebook.com/nyamwater.