For the first time since 2022, the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has issued a Stage 1 Water Alert, urging all 1.2 million of its customers to immediately reduce their water usage.

The alert comes in response to dangerously low water tank levels that could hinder the ability of emergency services—particularly firefighters—to operate effectively.

Officials say the ongoing high demand for water, especially during peak summer months, has depleted reserves. In areas like North Bay Shore, Kings Park, Eaton’s Neck, Selden, Montauk and the Town of Southold, the situation is especially critical.

SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo emphasized the gravity of the situation.

“Our concern is that we won’t have water for hospitals, emergency services, and fire hydrants. So by everyone playing a small part—conserving and cutting back a little bit—we’ll make sure we have the supply for emergency services," says Szabo.

As part of the alert, customers are being asked to eliminate all nonessential water use and to follow an odd-even lawn watering schedule. Under this guideline, residents with odd-numbered addresses should water their lawns only on odd-numbered calendar days, while those with even-numbered addresses should do so on even-numbered days.

The SCWA first issued warnings about excessive water use in June, but after several consecutive days of critically low tank levels, officials escalated their response. Without a reduction in demand, they warn the high-water usage could persist—and worsen—throughout the summer.