Yorktown Under Water Conservation Order
July 6, 2021 – The Northern Westchester Joint Water Works (NWJWW) will implement a mandatory water conservation order for customers from July 12 through October 12.
Customers in the NWJWW’s service region must restrict their water consumption by observing an odd/even system for outdoor water use. Residents or businesses at even-number addresses may water lawns, shrubs, plants and gardens only on even-numbered days; residents or businesses at odd-numbered addresses may do so on odd-numbered days. Residents or businesses with addresses that are neither even nor odd must follow the schedule for even-numbered addresses.
The water restrictions are due to two converging factors that have contributed to capacity issues:
- Construction at the Amawalk Water Treatment Facility has reduced production capacity by 25% and it will not be restored until late October.
- A 40% increase in residential water consumption due to remote work and pandemic-related stay-at-home measures.
“We have concerns we may not be able to keep up with future demand projections,” said Matthew Geho-NWJWW Operations Director. “The goal is to reduce demand without disrupting daily life. These water restrictions will not impact indoor domestic water use.”
Other rules include a ban on filling swimming pools on weekends and water-hosing streets or driveways. Local law requires the Town of Yorktown and its residents to comply with NWJWW’s conservation order.
“Just as we successfully worked together to minimize Covid-19 contagion in our community, we can get through this water emergency,” said Supervisor Matt Slater. “No one is being asked to go without water. The utility is simply asking the public to follow common-sense rules that will allow our community to enjoy the summer without major inconveniences.”
The pandemic-related water usage increase in Yorktown has been significant. Prior to the pandemic Yorktown consumed about 9 million gallons of water a day in the summer; now the daily usage has risen to 12 million gallons a day.
The NWJWW provides drinking water to the Town of Cortlandt, Town of Yorktown, Town of Somers, Montrose Improvement District, and Buchanan through the operation of two surface water treatment plants. Water is purchased from NYCDEP, treated at the Catskill and/or Amawalk Treatment Facilities, and sold to the member towns.
Public inquiries can be directed to Matthew Geho-NWJWW Operations Director-914-737-3558 ext # 111 or matthewgeho@nwjww.com. The restrictions will be lifted as soon demand projections or operations change.
A copy of the NWJWW’s advisory is attached.
Contact: Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater, 914-962-5722 x201 or mslater@yorktownny.org
