Stage 2 Drought Restrictions in Effect

West Nyack, NY, February 7, 2002 -- Rockland Health Commissioner Dr. Joan Facelle declared a Stage 2 Water Emergency yesterday that imposed further mandatory restrictions due to lack of rainfall and below average water storage levels.

The Stage 2 restrictions forbid:
• Non-agricultural irrigation at nursery facilities except for daily between 2 and 6 a.m. and 6 and 10 p.m.
• Watering or sprinkling any portion of a golf course except for daily between midnight and 6 a.m. and hand watering of greens once a day.
• The use of water for washing non-public paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, garages, parking areas and patios.
• The use of water for non-commercial washing or cleaning of automobiles, trucks, trailers or any other vehicles except for emergency vehicles.
• The use of water for non-agricultural irrigation, watering or sprinkling of lawns, gardens, landscaped areas, trees, shrubs or other outdoor plants except on odd or even days based on address. Watering is only allowed between 2 and 6 a.m. for automatic, in-ground sprinkler systems or between 5 and 9 p.m. for manual sprinkler systems.

Other restrictions put in place in January when Rockland declared a Stage 1 emergency remain in effect.

Stage I requires that:
• Water cannot be served in restaurants unless the patron requests it.
• The use of flow-through (non-recycled) fountains, artificial waterfalls and reflecting pools is not allowed.
• Water cannot be used for flushing sewers or hydrants except for emergencies.
• Lawn and garden watering is only allowed on odd or even days based on address.
• Watering is only allowed between the hours of 12 midnight and 6 a.m. for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems OR between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. for manual sprinklers or hose-fed irrigation systems.

Residents or businesses that violate the restrictions would be issued violation notices and repeat offenders would be fined. To report a violation, call the Health Department at 364-2608.