Irrigation, Sprinkler Ban Announced For Greenwich, Stamford

GREENWICH/STAMFORD, CT — Aquarion Water Company announced Wednesday a mandatory irrigation ban is in effect for Greenwich and Stamford customers. The ban, which also affects customers in Darien, New Canaan and Westport, is effective immediately.

In a statement, company officials said the decision, which was made in coordination with state and local officials, comes as southwest Fairfield County hits its third drought trigger this fall.

The ban includes "automatic irrigation systems and hose-end sprinklers." Consequently, all Aquarion-issued irrigation variances are revoked for the season, officials said.

Hand-held watering, soaker hose and drip irrigation is still permitted for new plantings, officials said. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Aquarion president Donald Morrissey cited worsening drought conditions in Connecticut as a reason for the ban.

"Aquarion is requiring customers to turn off their irrigation systems and sprinklers for the season," Morrissey said in a statement. "With drought conditions continuing to worsen across the state, this mandatory ban will help to ensure an adequate water supply for everyday needs and give reservoirs time to recover for the spring."

The company is working with local irrigation professionals to help communicate the ban to their customers and ensure systems are promptly shut down, officials said. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Customers are also encouraged to use water more efficiently indoors with the following five tips:

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.

Additional water conservation tips can be found at aquarionwater.com.