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Water Conservation & Preservation

Long Island is experiencing a rapid rise in contaminates in our aquifer system and surface waters. The Lloyd aquifer is our sole source of drinking water for Long Beach – and its water quality is directly and indirectly impacted by the way we use and treat the land above it. The same goes for our surface waters, such as our bays, and the ocean. Explore below to find out how you can decrease water pollution and reduce your water footprint.
 
Water Conservation Tips
  • Use low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets. Find water-efficient products here. Improvements or additions that require building permits must, according to code, use updated water efficient fixtures and fittings;
  • Fix leaky faucets and spigots. One drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons a year.
  • Choose a high-efficiency washing machine, it can save over 50% in laundry water and energy use.
  • Use your dishwasher and washing machines only with full loads.
  • Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing them off.
  • Water your lawn according to City Code, between the hours of 7pm and 9am. Only water your lawn when needed. Check the weather before watering your lawn or garden to avoid unnecessary water usage. 
  • Install a weather sensor on your sprinkler system. Better yet skip the sprinkler system and utilize what nature already provides by harvesting rain water in a rain barrel.
  • Stop using synthetic pesticides and high-nitrogen fertilizers on your lawn. These chemicals eventually travel to local water bodies where they harm wildlife and contaminate our drinking water.
  • Choose native and drought-resistant plants. Native plants are best adapted to local conditions and require minimal or zero water, maintenance, and fertilizer.
  • Mulch your landscape. A 3" layer prevents evaporation and frequent need to water as well as holding down weeds and improving soil health.
  • Do not flush medications or hazardous chemicals down the drain. These products end up in our waterways – they harm wildlife and contaminate drinking water.
  • Choose eco-friendly clothing fabrics such as hemp, bamboo, or tencel, and avoid plastic fabrics such as polyester, lycra, acrylic, spandex, and nylon. Did you know that a single fleece garment can shed 250,000 plastic microfibers in one washing? These plastic fibers bypass water treatment plants and end up in our waterways.
  • Businesses, according to code, should supply patrons with drinking water only upon request.

 

Municipal Ordinances for Water Conservation/Protection:
  • Car washing – only self closing shut off valved hose permitted for use.
  • Water saving plumbing fittings and fixtures are required on all new residential and commercial construction and in certain alterations and additions to existing construction.
  • Fertilizer - Nassau County Local Law No.11 bans the application of fertilizer between November 15th and April 1st.

 

EPA WaterSense
WaterSense is a U.S. EPA program that identifies water-efficient products and acts as a resource for helping you save water. WaterSense-labeled products are certified to use 20% less water, save energy, and perform as well or better than regular models.

 
Water Calculator
This quick and easy Water Calculator shows you which water uses in your home are efficient and which are not.
 
Why is my water brown? – Long Beach Public Works Water FAQ
 
Visit our other pages related to water conservation: