Government

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Triggers Air Quality Alert for Rockland County for Monday into Tuesday

Published

9 months ago

August 4, 2025

Rockland County, NY — Canadian wildfire smoke is once again impacting the Lower Hudson Valley, prompting a statewide Air Quality Health Advisory for Monday, August 4, due to elevated levels of fine particulate matter in the air.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has issued an Air Quality Alert for several counties including Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, Bronx, Queens, Kings, Richmond, and New York (Manhattan). The advisory is in effect from midnight Sunday through midnight Monday.

Air quality levels are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100, indicating that fine particulates (PM2.5) in outdoor air may reach levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
What This Means for You

The New York State Department of Health recommends that residents — especially young children, seniors, and individuals with preexisting respiratory or heart conditions — limit strenuous outdoor activities during the advisory period. Exposure to high levels of fine particulates can trigger asthma, respiratory distress, and other health concerns.

Residents experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort are urged to consult their healthcare provider.

Health tips during the advisory; stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows and doors closed, use air purifiers if available, avoid outdoor exercise or heavy physical exertion, monitor updates from local health and environmental agencies.

For more information about local air quality conditions, visit the NYSDEC Air Quality Index page at https://on.ny.gov/nyaqi or call the Air Quality Hotline at 1-800-535-1345.

Government

Rockland County Urges Water Conservation as Climate Change Impacts Supply

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management is encouraging residents to learn how climate change is affecting water availability and what steps they can take to protect the county’s supply.

Experts say climate change is increasingly being viewed as a water crisis, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns lead to stronger storms, flooding, and drought. Although water covers much of the planet, less than one percent of freshwater is readily available for human use, making conservation critical.

Rockland County depends entirely on local surface and groundwater sources to serve homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. As the population grows and climate conditions evolve, officials say responsible water use is essential to maintaining a stable supply.

“Protecting our water supply is essential to the long-term health and economic stability of Rockland County,” said Ed Day. “Education and conservation are key tools that help ensure our water resources remain reliable for future generations.”

💧 Simple Ways to Conserve Water

Residents can make a meaningful impact with small, everyday actions:

Fix household leaks promptly
Take shorter showers
Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
Use water-efficient appliances
Plant native or drought-tolerant landscaping
Water lawns and gardens efficiently

Reducing water use also lowers energy consumption, since energy is required to pump, treat, and heat water—helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials encourage residents to follow the task force online for updates, resources, and conservation tips. More information is available through the county’s water conservation program.

Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks and Minnows to Fight Summer Mosquitoes

Published

2 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is giving residents two free tools to fight mosquitoes:

1. Mosquito Dunks®

Donut-shaped tablets placed in standing water
Kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults
Safe for use in:
- Unused/covered pools
- Hot tubs
- Other stagnant water containers

2. Fathead minnows

Small fish that eat mosquito larvae (up to ~200 per day each)
Good for:
- Unused pools
- Ornamental ponds
- Water sources with at least 8 inches of water