When Can We Start Watering Again

brownlawnIf your lawn is turning brown, you are probably wondering how long the watering restrictions will be in force, and if the restrictions have been effective in reducing usage. In order to learn more, Scarsdale10583 posed some questions to Deputy Village Manager Steve Pappalardo, and here is what we found out:

Have the watering restrictions been effective in reducing usage?

The water restrictions have been effective to the extent that they have helped the Village to re-establish adequate water pressure in the water distribution system.

How much has usage declined?

The Village does not have the exact daily usage numbers handy but we can report that the peak period summer water usage, defined as the time between 3:00 AM-8:30 AM, has declined since the imposition of the water restrictions which was the goal. Again, we were able to better to maintain water pressure in the system during this peak period.

We noticed that summons have been served to those who violate the restrictions. How much is the penalty?

A summons issued to any individual violating the mandatory water restrictions results in a court appearance. The penalty for violating the restrictions per Village Code is $250.00 per day, however the Judge has the authority to reduce the fine at his/her discretion.

How are we doing on construction of our pumping station?

Current construction at the Ardsley Road Pumping Station is scheduled to be complete by the end of this calendar year and tested and fully operational by spring/summer 2011.

Will the Village be able to lift the watering restrictions soon?

Annual water usage has historically dropped off significantly by the end of September so if this holds true again this year, we hope to lift the mandatory restrictions by October 1, 2010. We would likely continue with the voluntary restrictions at that point.