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First Drought Trigger Hit in Southwest Fairfield County

BRIDGEPORT, CONN. – June 26, 2020 – With ongoing high temperatures and no significant rainfall in the forecast, Aquarion Water Company is asking customers to reduce non-essential water use. Large portions of Connecticut are currently experiencing conditions ranging from “abnormally dry” to “moderate drought” due to an extended dry spell, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

As a result of dry conditions, Aquarion is experiencing near-record water demands throughout its service area and has hit its first drought trigger in Southwest Fairfield County.

Due to these high water demands, customers may experience temporary low water pressure and/or possible water discoloration. These issues will resolve themselves as water usage returns to normal levels.

“Aquarion is advising customers to reduce their water use,” said Donald Morrissey, Aquarion President. “It is important for all of our customers to assist in this effort, to ensure towns have adequate water for fire protection and other vital needs.”

Customers that live in the six towns currently under a mandatory, twice-weekly irrigation schedule (Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Newtown, Stamford and Westport) are being asked to reduce water usage by 20 percent to lessen the potential for stricter restrictions this summer. Most customers can achieve this reduction simply by following the irrigation schedule below. Aquarion also encourages customers that live outside of these six towns to voluntarily follow this schedule as an easy way to conserve water.

Mandatory, Twice-Weekly Sprinkler Irrigation Schedule

For Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Newtown, Stamford and Westport

In order to use water more efficiently, Aquarion offers customers the following ten tips:

Five ways to conserve water outdoors

1. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your lawn requires less water.
2. Reduce your sprinkler setting to two days per week. The grass roots will grow deeper and make your grass more drought tolerant.
3. Adjust your sprinklers so that they're watering your lawn and garden, and not the street or sidewalk.
4. Turn off your irrigation system and use hand watering or drip irrigation for shrubs and flowers.
5. Inspect your overall irrigation system for leaks, broken lines or blockage in the lines. A well-maintained system will save you money, water, and time.

Five ways to conserve water indoors

1. Turn off the water while lathering up, shaving, or brushing your teeth.
2. Minimize baths and the amount of water you use for each. Trim one minute off the length of your showers.
3. Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
4. Hand wash dishes in a pan or the sink, not under continuous running water.
5. Reuse dehumidifier water or use a bucket to capture shower and bath water while you wait for it to warm up; then use the water to water your plants.

Visit www.aquarionwater.com/conserve for additional water conservation tips.

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