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Conservation

Water Conservation: Protecting Our Most Vital Resource

Water is the lifeblood of our community, but it is not an infinite resource. In our region, we rely on a shared underground aquifer system for everything from drinking and cooking, to fighting fires and maintaining our landscapes.

As our population grows and weather patterns become more unpredictable, conservation is no longer just a “good idea” — it is a necessity to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation.

Why Conservation Matters

Aquifer Protection: Excessive pumping can lower the water table, leading to “saltwater intrusion,” which can permanently ruin our fresh water supply.

Infrastructure Stress: During peak summer hours, high demand puts immense pressure on our pumps and delivery systems, increasing the risk of water main breaks.

Cost Efficiency: Using less water reduces the energy needed for treatment and distribution, helping to keep utility rates stable for everyone.

Environmental Impact: Conserving water preserves the local ecosystem and helps ensure there is enough supply for emergency services, such as local fire departments.

Simple Ways to Conserve at Home

Small changes in your daily routine can lead to significant water savings:

Outdoors:

Follow the Schedule: Adhering to odd/even watering days reduces peak demand.

Check for Leaks: A single broken sprinkler head can waste thousands of gallons of water in one season.

Smart Irrigation: Install rain sensors or “smart” controllers that automatically cancel watering cycles during or after rainfall.

Indoors:

Fix Drips: A leaking faucet or running toilet can waste over 20 gallons of water a day.

Full Loads Only: Wait until your dishwasher and washing machine are completely full before running them.

Upgrade Fixtures: Replace old toilets and showerheads with EPA WaterSense-labeled models, which use 20% less water without sacrificing performance.

By working together and staying mindful of our usage, we can protect our community’s water supply today and for years to come.

The Franklin Square Water District has toilet tank leak-detecting tablets available free of charge for consumers at our Schroeter Avenue office.

Did You Know? Quick Water Facts

  • The “Silent” Waster: A minor faucet drip (about 30 drops per minute) can waste 54 gallons of water a month, while a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons every single day.
  • Summer Surge: In our area, water pumpage can increase significantly during hot, dry months, sometimes by nearly 6% compared to wetter years, primarily due to outdoor irrigation.
  • The 10-Minute Test: You can check your entire home for leaks in just 10 minutes by reading your water meter, turning off all taps for 10 minutes, and then checking to see whether the meter has moved.
  • Local Impact: The average household on Long Island uses approximately 400 gallons of water daily, with nearly 70% of that used indoors.