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With the hottest months just around the corner, Aquarion and local officials are restricting outdoor watering in the four towns to a maximum of twice weekly, on set days and during set time periods.
Aquarion will be monitoring reservoir levels closely throughout the summer because the area is sensitive to drought.
On May 1, Aquarion will remove the sprinkler irrigation ban and move to a twice-weekly, sprinkler irrigation schedule for customers in Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford.
Here are the new rules:
- Residents with addresses ending in even numbers may water only on Sundays and Wednesdays, and before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- At odd-numbered addresses, watering may take place only on Saturdays and Tuesdays – and again, only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
The restrictions apply to both in-ground irrigation systems and above-ground sprinklers. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand-held watering are allowed at any time.
“Outdoor watering puts a huge strain on the water supply, accounting regionally for 38 percent of the usage,” said Charles V. Firlotte, Aquarion's president and CEO. “And the EPA estimates that over half of outdoor water use is wasted.”
Aquarion’s website contains tips from UConn and other sources on how lawns and gardens can survive – and even thrive – with less watering.
Aquarion customers with new lawns or plantings, or with large properties, may apply for a variance to the restrictions beginning May 1 at aquarionwater.com.
“We need continued rainfall to put this drought behind us,” said Firlotte. “But if we all continue with our conservation efforts, we can make sure our communities always have enough supply to meet the essential needs of human consumption and fire protection.”
More information on the restrictions can be found at aquarionwater.com/watering. For more information on Aquarion Water Company and its subsidiaries, visit www.aquarionwater.com or www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.
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