On Monday, 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.
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— an announcement from Aquarion Water Co.
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Although reservoir levels have been improving, regionally, they are below last year’s levels. With the hottest months just around the corner, Aquarion Water Company and local officials have joined to restrict outdoor watering in four area 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.
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 only take place 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 Water Company 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, please visit the company website or Aquarion Water on Facebook.