Town requests residents turn off taps

GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WIVB) - In Grand Island, very dry conditions are soaking up the water supply. Neighbors are being asked to turn off the taps.

The drought is straining the water supply on Grand Island and for one local farmer, it's causing growing pains. The farm has no irrigation system and relies on rain for its main crops, field corn, wheat and hay.

The farmer said, “This is a sweet corn field. The crop was planted about a month ago. But it hasn't grown much because having little to no rain is causing a big problem.”

The town is also feeling the heat because the water supply is low.

Town residents are being asked to voluntarily stop washing their car or watering their lawn. Their water is supplied by this tank.

It's low because people are using it more, making it difficult for it to replenish itself. As a result the water will have low pressure.

Town officials say if everyone makes a sacrifice, it will help the whole community.

“Grass will come back, it's not really pretty to look at, but it wi8ll come back. Eventually it will rain and the grass will green up again. And you can drive around in a dirty car. It’s not super pleasant for everyone but in the whole scheme of things it's much better to have water pressure to fight fires,” said Grand Island Town Supervisor Mary Cooke.

Also with the grass so dry and brittle, officials are also asking residents not to light bon fires.

Cook said, “Because it's so very dry. One ember spark, also be careful where your cigarette butts are going. They shouldn't be going on the ground anyway. But be really careful now because as you can look around an see with all of the crispy lawns it would start very quickly.”