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Press Conference To Bring Attention To Funding Available To Help Low-Income Families Pay Their Water Bills

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4 years ago

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Press Conference to Bring Awareness to Federally Funded Program that has Already Provided Millions of Dollars in Relief to Local Households, Additional Funding Still Available 

 Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Westchester County Executive George Latimer will be joined by local social service and nonprofit leaders for a press conference in recognition of “LIHWAP Awareness Day.” The press conference will take place on Thursday, January 12, at 2:00 PM at The Nyack Seaport (21 Burd St., Nyack, NY 10960).

 The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program administered by New York State designed to help low-income households reduce the balances on their residential water and wastewater bills. LIHWAP Awareness Day is intended to bring greater awareness of this program to families in Westchester and Rockland Counties who may be eligible for relief. 

Hear from County Executives Day and Latimer and social service and nonprofit leaders about how this program has helped local families and how there’s more funding available. Proclamations will be presented at the press conference, and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge will be lit yellow – the color of hope – on January 12 in recognition of LIHWAP Awareness Day. 

 WHO: Rockland County Executive Ed Day 

        Westchester County Executive George Latimer

              Joan Silvestri, Commissioner, Rockland County, Dept. of Social Services 

              Leonard Towns, Commissioner, Westchester County, Dept. of Social Services 

              Tom Gabriel, President & CEO, United Way of Westchester and Putnam 

               Steve Papas, President & CEO, United Way of Rockland 

               Additional Speakers TBA 

  WHEN: Thursday, January 12, 2023 

         2:00 PM – 2:45 PM 

 WHERE:  The Nyack Seaport 

                   21 Burd St. 

                   Nyack, NY 10960

 Background

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a federally funded program administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA).  

 The program can assist households who have past due bills for water and sewer services and can help prevent water and sewer services from being shut off. LIHWAP is a benefit based on the actual amount of water and/or sewer arrears, up to a maximum of $2,500 per water or sewer provider, or $5,000 if water and sewer services are combined, per applicant household. 

The OTDA has set up a secure Application Portal for households to apply for LIHWAP online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The program will expire on Dec. 31, 2023. Learn more here. 

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

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2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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