The
Rockland Water Coalition
We are a partnership of local and larger environmental, civic, and other groups and individuals supporting affordable and sustainable management of Rockland County, NY drinking water.
We work for water policies that will protect and make the best use of our current water resources, rather than locking us into long-term, major rate increases for large, very expensive, new water supply projects.
Our Priorities
Water conservation and efficiency, including effective water conservation rates and public education.
Watershed protection, including protection of water quality, enhancement of ground water recharge, and sustainable development.
Conserving water by reducing leaks through an advanced system of maintenance and repair.
Stricter regulation of contaminants.
Affordable rates
Our History
The Rockland Water Coalition came together in 2008, when serious concerns and questions were being raised about the adequacy of our local water supply. .
With the help of experts, we were able to take a critical look at the financial, environmental, and health impacts of Suez Water’s proposal to build a desalination plant on the Hudson River in Haverstraw Bay. Click HERE to learn more about why we opposed this plant. .
We were successful. In 2016, the NYS Public Service Commission ordered Suez to abandon its desalination plan. Since then, Coalition members have continued to work together to advocate for affordable, sustainable water policies in Rockland County.
We are grateful for the following groups that stood with us to oppose desalination for Rockland County.
- Citizens Campaign for the Environment
- Clarkstown Taxpayers
- Clearwater
- Congers Civic Association
- Fishermen Against Fracking
- Food & Water Watch
- Hudson River Fishermen’s Association
- Hudson Valley Fellowship of Reconciliation
- Northern Westchester Energy Action Consortium
- NY/NJ Baykeeper
- NYPIRG (New York Public Interest Research Group)
- Orangetown Democratic Committee
- Preserve Ramapo
- Riverkeeper
- Ramapo River Committee
- Ramapo River Watershed
- Intermunicipal Council
- Rockland AARP
- Rockland County Beekeepers Association
- Rockland Farm Alliance
- Rockland for Obama OFA
- Rockland Residents Against Flooding Tomorrow (R.A.F.T)
- ROSA4Rockland
- Save Our Groundwater
- Scenic Hudson
- Sierra Club, Lower Hudson Group
- Stony Point Action Committee for the Environment (S.P.A.C.E.)
- Strawtown Studio
- Sparkill Watershed Alliance
- Torne Valley Preservation Association
- West Branch Conservation Association
Accomplishments
Representing the Public Interest
Since 2009, we have commented in the public interest at every Public Service Commission Case that affected Rockland County, including advocating for the establishment of Rockland County’s Water Task Force to create effective water conservation and watershed protection plans.
PFAS
Lobbying for stronger regulation of PFAS in the water supply and in manufactured goods at the state level, including advocating for quicker and more comprehensive clean up of these toxic chemicals from our drinking water.
A More Sustainable Water Policy
Helping to lobby successfully for more efficient statewide standards for indoor water fixtures.