Granby, East Granby Residents Face Mandatory Lawn Watering Limits

GRANBY/EAST GRANBY, CT — Aquarion Water Company has launched its mandatory twice-weekly sprinkler irrigation schedule for customers in Granby and East Granby. The seasonal conservation program began Thursday and will remain in effect through Oct. 31.

The rules apply to customers using automatic sprinkler irrigation systems. Aquarion said the program is designed to reduce overwatering and help protect water supplies for critical needs such as drinking water and fire protection.

Under the schedule, homes and businesses with even-numbered addresses may water only on Sundays and Wednesdays. Those with odd-numbered addresses may water only on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

On approved watering days, sprinkler use is allowed from 12:01 a.m. to 10 a.m. and again from 6 p.m. to midnight. Properties without an address number must follow the Sunday and Wednesday schedule.

Aquarion said the conservation effort has saved about 6 billion gallons of water since the program began. The company said that has helped communities avoid tougher outdoor watering restrictions during dry summer months.

According to Aquarion, properties with automatic sprinkler systems often use about 40 percent more water than those without them. The company also cited EPA data saying up to half of outdoor water use can be lost to overwatering, leaks and evaporation.

Aquarion said lawns and gardens can still do well with less watering because deeper roots are better able to absorb moisture and nutrients. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand-held watering are allowed at any time.

More information, including details on possible variances, is available through Aquarion’s watering guidance page. Aquarion provides water and wastewater services to more than 780,000 people in 73 communities across Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eversource.