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Mandatory Conservation Schedule in Place for Groton, Mystic, and Stonington

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – April 29, 2024 – Aquarion Water Company today reminded customers that the 2024 sprinkler irrigation schedule is in effect and continues until October 31. The program is mandatory for customers in Groton, Mystic, and Stonington. The schedule helps conserve water supplies by reducing overwatering of lawns and gardens through a maximum of two days per week. The conservation program helps to ensure local water supplies remain sufficient for critical needs such as human consumption and fire protection. 

Since its launch, the sprinkler irrigation schedule has helped save approximately five billion gallons of water, which has helped towns avoid a complete ban on outdoor water use during dry summer months. Under the irrigation schedule, Aquarion expects to save millions of gallons of water.

Homes and businesses with automatic sprinkler irrigation systems often use large volumes of water – about 40% more than properties without the systems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), up to half the water used outdoors can be lost through overwatering, leaks, and evaporation. This waste, in turn, strains local water supplies while providing no benefit to lawns and gardens. Research shows that lawns and gardens can thrive on reduced watering. By encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil, they can absorb more moisture and nutrients, even during dry spells. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand-held watering are allowed anytime.

The twice-weekly irrigation schedule is in effect until October 31 and follows the requirements below:

More information about the irrigation schedule, landscaping, and gardening with less water is available at www.aquarionwater.com/watering. Some residents may qualify for a variance from the schedule. If customers, for example, have installed new plantings or sod in the spring, they would be allowed to water more frequently to help get plants established.

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