Rain eases East End water alert — but not in Southold

The recent torrential downpours have eased water restrictions across much of the East End — but not in Southold, where storage tanks continue to run low during peak morning hours.

The Suffolk County Water Authority announced Friday that it had lifted its Stage 1 Water Alert for Southampton, East Hampton and Shelter Island. The alert remains in effect for Southold customers.

Late-July rainfall reduced lawn irrigation and allowed storage tanks elsewhere to recover, according to the authority. In Southold, however, customer demand continues to outstrip pumping capacity, threatening water pressure and reserves needed for firefighting.

“Despite the recent rain, our tank levels are still too close for comfort,” SCWA chairman Charlie Lefkowitz said in a press release.

Southold customers are being asked to avoid watering their lawns unless necessary. Odd-numbered addresses may water only on odd-numbered calendar days, while even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered days. Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The authority will hold a public meeting on the Southold water situation Wednesday, Aug. 6, at 5 p.m. at the Greenport firehouse on Third Street.