Newark asked to conserve water

As of August 16, the Village of Newark's supply and storage were at normal levels. However, as conditions change from day to day, the use of voluntary conservation measures is being encouraged.

Newark's share of water from Canandaigua Lake is sufficient to supply our current, as well as our future needs. Even with this in mind, people must use water wisely. It takes energy and resources to treat and deliver water to your home.

On hot summer days, the plant has to produce almost twice as much water as during the winter months. In an effort to promote the wise use of water, to avoid waste and reduce our energy demands, we offer the following conservation tips regarding the watering of lawns.

Watering properly will help your lawn grow deep roots that make it stronger and less vulnerable to drought. Most lawns are watered too often but with too little water. It's best to water only when the lawn really needs it, and then to water slowly and deeply. This trains the grass roots down. Frequent shallow watering trains the roots to stay near the surface, making the lawn less able to find moisture during the dry periods.

Every lawn's watering needs are unique: They depend on local rainfall, the grass and soil type, and the general health of the lawn. Even in very dry areas, no established home lawn should require daily watering. Try to water your lawn in a way that imitates a slow, soaking rain, by using trickle irrigation, soaker hoses, or other water-conserving methods. Please water in the early morning, especially during hot summer months, to reduce evaporation. Apply about an inch of water - enough that it soaks 6-8 inches into the soil. Then let the lawn dry out thoroughly before watering it again. The best rule is to water only when the lawn begins to wilt from dryness, when the color dulls and footprints stay compressed for more than a few seconds.

These conservation measures are encouraged:

Do not wash paved surfaces such as driveways, garage floors, parking areas and patios. Instead, use a broom.

Do not wash or clean vehicles except with water that may be applied with a bucket or at a car wash facility that uses re-cycled water.

Install water-saving shower heads, faucets, and toilets. Fix dripping/leaking faucets.

Water lawns between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Fix leaking toilets and use a plastic bottle filled with water in toilet tank. Don't flush toilets unnecessarily. Don't run water to make it cold. Don't let water run while washing dishes. Only run a dishwasher with full load. Wash only full loads of laundry. Take short showers. Fill tub halfway.

These conservation measures are voluntary. Lowering the demand for water will result in lower production costs for the Village, lower water bills for the consumer and will help us respond to any emergencies (transmission or distribution line breaks, fires, etc.) that may arise. Your cooperation in water conservation throughout the year will help the Village maintain an adequate water supply now and in the fixture. If you have any questions regarding your water supply, contact the Newark Water Treatment Plant at 716.289.6094.

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