Legislator Al Krupski has sponsored legislation if adopted, would create a local law requiring any newly installed or upgraded irrigation system to be equipped with smart devices that adjust watering based on weather conditions including rainfall. These devices are ET controllers paired with a rain sensor or soil moisture sensor to help prevent the overwatering of lawns and other vegetation. The law would apply to both commercial and residential irrigation systems as of January 1, 2024. Agricultural, cemetery and golf course operations would be exempt from the law.
Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) reports that approximately 70% of the water pumped is used for outdoor purposes like landscape irrigation, and as much as 50% of this water is wasted due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies in irrigation methods and systems. Most lawn irrigation occurs in the early morning hours, creating an issue with water pressure in the in SCWA’s system throughout Suffolk County. However, overwatering and inefficient watering brings additional problems.
“There is nothing as frustrating as seeing lawns being watered when it is raining, or seeing irrigation runoff flowing onto the street and down storm drains,” said Legislator Krupski. “That runoff takes with it toxic substances, lawn chemicals and bacteria from animal waste and is not recharging our aquifer, but polluting surface waters. As more of Suffolk County is developed without effective drainage codes, more water will be pumped from our sole-source aquifer, which could lead to water pressure and water quantity effects as well. ” According to SCWA, some communities are experiencing water quantity issues already.
Legislator Krupski consulted with SCWA, municipal water suppliers, and the Irrigation Association of New York (IANY) when drafting the legislation, and has found broad support for the proposed law.
“We are grateful for Legislator Krupski’s advocacy for water conservation and aquifer preservation. His bill is the next logical step in ensuring we have abundant supply because smart controllers are an effective way to decrease the amount of water you use, make it even easier to follow the odd/even lawn watering schedule and still provide you with a beautiful green lawn. This legislation will help ensure that we have abundant supply for generations to come and we use our water resources wisely,” said Suffolk County Water Authority Chairman Charles Lefkowitz.
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| Legislator Al Krupski File Photo |
Homeowners can take advantage of credits of up to $250 toward the purchase of water saving devises currently being offered by SCWA.
A hearing on the proposed local law will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 6:30 pm the Suffolk County Legislature in Smithtown. Those interested in addressing the legislature may do so in-person or via written testimony by email to Frank.Tassone@suffolkcountyny.gov or by regular mail to the Clerk's Office at the Suffolk County Legislature P.O. Box 6100, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Audio testimony is accepted via phone at 631-853-3685; callers may leave a 3-minute message.