HAMLET OF CARMEL - May 2, 2002

Carmel officials have declared a water emergency in the hamlet area served by Carmel Water District No. 2.

Supervisor Frank DelCampo said the town had previously requested voluntary restrictions in each of Carmel's 13 water districts in the wake of the drought that has the northeast in its grip.

Last week, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection declared a Stage 1 Drought Emergency for the entire watershed and since Lake Gleneida, which is used as the primary source of water for the local water district is owned by the city, the town had no choice but to declare water restrictions for the hamlet.

Mr. DelCampo said until further notice there will be no watering of lawns or gardens, washing of cars, filling of swimming pools or wetting down sidewalks.

The supervisor also suggested taking shorter showers or filling the tub half way to take a bath, fixing leaks, not running the tap when shaving or brushing teeth, operating dishwashers and washing machines only when full, and installing water-saving fixtures in toilets, shower heads and faucet aerators.

Mr. DelCampo admitted that the water emergency was an inconvenience for some but he said the town board had no alternative but to follow the city's lead in this matter.

New York City Department of Environmental Conservation spokesman Geoffrey Ryan said currently the city's reservoirs were 62 percent of capacity, 35.5 percent below the normal level for late April.

Mr. DelCampo said unless substantial rains fall this spring and early summer, the town may be forced to declare a town-wide water emergency.

The supervisor has suggested that all residents of Putnam County conserve water whenever they can.