Aquarion Water Company Urges Customers to Shut Down Irrigation Systems for the Season

With a statewide drought continuing, higher-than-average water demand, and Connecticut’s Department of Public Health asking for voluntary water conservation, Aquarion Water Company is requesting customers to shut down sprinklers and irrigation systems for the season.

Aquarion’s reservoirs in the southwest region of the state are below half their capacity. And yet demand is running approximately 12.2% percent higher than for the same period last year.

“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.”

This new request follows a previous customer alert and voluntary conservation request a month ago.

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

Aquarion has posted numerous conservation tips at www.aquarionwater.com/conserve.

Photo credit: Robert Couse-Baker via flickr creative commons