Watering Restrictions for New Canaan Announced

NEW CANAAN, CT — Reservoir levels have been improving regionally, but they are still below last year's levels and with the hottest months of the year right around the corner Aquarion isn't taking any chances. The water company announced that residents of Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien and Stamford will only be allowed to water lawns twice weekly.

The sprinkler irrigation ban will be lifted May 1 in the towns and will move to a twice-weekly irrigation schedule. Residents with addresses ending in even numbers can water on Sundays and Wednesdays before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Odd numbered addresses can water on Saturdays and Tuesdays during the same time period.

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.”

Customers with new lawns or plantings or with large properties can apply for variances at the company's website.

“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.”

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)