COUNTY MOVES FROM STAGE II TO STAGE I WATER RESTRICTIONS

As a result of both the moderate rainfall and reduced water usage over the past few weeks, Rockland County has lowered the mandatory water restrictions from Stage II to Stage I.

Residents and businesses may now:
* Hand wash their cars.
* Wash paved surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways, and patios.
* Water their lawns every other day, instead of only two days per week.
* Water their lawns, gardens and landscape plants for two additional hours on specified days.

In addition, the required 10 percent reduction in use by plant nurseries and golf courses is eliminated.

Remaining water restrictions:

Lawns, gardens and landscape:
* Residents may only water lawns, flower gardens, vegetable gardens, trees, shrubs, potted plants, or other outdoor plants between midnight and 6 a.m., for automatic, in-ground irrigation systems, and between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. for manual sprinklers or a hose every other day of the month, based on your address. Properties with an odd numbered address may water on odd days of the month (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.) and properties with an even number may water on even days of the month (2, 4, 6, 8, etc.). For example: If you live at 9 Main Street, you may water your garden or landscape during specified hours on August 25, 27, 29, etc. If you live at 10 Main Street, you may water your garden or landscape during specified hours on August 24, 26, 28, etc.
* Mulching is recommended to preserve moisture.

In addition, these restrictions continue:
* Restaurants cannot serve water 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.
* All water leaks must be repaired within 48 hours.
* No bulk water supply from any source within the county may be exported outside the county.