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Suffolk County, NY Water Use Rules: Lawn Watering Restrictions (2026)

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Key Facts

Authority: Suffolk County Water Authority
Schedule: Odd-even by address
Season: May through September
Aquifer: Federal sole source

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Suffolk County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Summary

The Suffolk County Water Authority enforces an odd-even outdoor watering schedule from May through September to manage peak demand on the sole-source aquifer that supplies 100 percent of county drinking water.

Full Breakdown

SCWA, the largest groundwater-only public water provider in the United States, requires customers to water lawns only on odd or even calendar days matching their street address number, with no watering between certain peak morning hours typically 10 AM to 4 PM. The schedule reduces peak pumping that stresses the federally designated sole-source aquifer and avoids water-tower drawdown during summer demand spikes. Restrictions tighten to mandatory conservation during declared drought stages. Private well users are encouraged but not required to follow the same schedule under SCDHS guidance.

Violations & Fines

First violation typically a written warning; repeat violations may incur surcharges on the SCWA bill, fines up to 250 dollars per occurrence, and in extreme drought, water-service shutoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does odd-even apply to drip irrigation?

Drip and micro-irrigation systems are typically exempt from the day-of-week rule, but still subject to peak-hour restrictions during heat advisories and drought declarations.

What if I have a private well?

SCWA rules do not bind private well owners, but Suffolk County Department of Health Services issues voluntary conservation requests that apply to all groundwater pumping during drought stages.

How does Suffolk County compare?

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Suffolk County, NY Water Use Rules: Lawn Watering Restrictions (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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