Despite recent rain on July 4-6, the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) is urging East End residents, particularly those in East Hampton, to immediately reduce unnecessary water use as the region is still in severe drought conditions, according to drought.gov. A recent heat wave and a limited local water supply continue to strain the system.
In East Hampton, two public water supply wells are currently offline and two additional wells are operating under emergency protocol, reducing the area’s water production capacity by about 8%, according to SCWA. Officials said the loss of capacity, combined with heavy overnight lawn irrigation, is leaving water storage tanks at low levels and reducing water pressure needed for homes and emergency fire protection.
