Letter to the Editor: Rockland Water Supply

Dear Gov. Cuomo  
The Rockland County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Inc. supports United Water-NY in its efforts to increase the water supply availability for Rockland County.  
Our county is growing fast. In the past few years, areas such as Ramapo and New Square have grown significantly. Population numbers reflect it: between 2000 and 2010 the comity grew 10 percent, a rate that is projected to continue.   As our population grows, our water supply also needs to grow, not just for the basic needs of life but for safety sake. Rockland County’s current water supply is fragile and dependent on rainfall within its borders. When hot, dry conditions hit, we often find ourselves low on supply. The county health department has said that there may very well be deficiencies in the system’s firefighting capabilities because of water supply in Rockland as recent as 2012.  
We must take action now to prevent future problems.   If alternate means of water supply are delayed, safety issues will become more and more widespread. Thank you for your interest and consideration in this matter.  

—Cordially, Paul Schlegel President, RCVFA