Aquarion: Please Shut Off Sprinklers for the Season

Aquarion Water Company is asking its customers to turn off irrigation and spinkler systems for the season in the face of a statewide drought.

Aquarion’s reservoirs in the southwest region are below half capacity and demand is 12.2 percent higher than last year for the same time period, the company said in a release.

“Due to the continuing drought and ongoing high water demand, Aquarion is asking customers to turn off sprinklers and irrigation systems for this season,” said Charles V. Firlotte, Aquarion president and CEO. “It is important for our customers to support these voluntary conservation measures, and to use our water resources wisely.”

To save water, Aquarion recommends that customers:

· Shut off sprinklers and irrigations systems for the season. Lawns and gardens slow down their growth in the fall and need less water. Watering less also encourages roots to grow deeper in the soil to find water

· Repair leaks in plumbing and fixtures

· Switch to water-efficient toilets, washing machines and dish washers

· Allow grass to grow longer; taller grass is healthier and requires less water

· Use brooms or blowers instead of water to clean decks, driveways and sidewalks

· Use a bucket and sponge to wash cars and boats instead of a running hose. Shut off ornamental water displays

· Switch to water-efficient toilets, washing machines and dish washers

· Turn off the tap while washing hands, shaving or brushing teeth

· Take shorter showers

· Hand-wash dishes in a basin, not under running water