Aquarion Announces Permanent Sprinkler Regulations For Westport

WESTPORT, CT — Aquarion has informed Westport town officials that it intends to introduce a permanent two-day per week water consumption limit on in-ground irrigation and above-ground sprinklers in town. The program will take effect during the 2018 watering season as the state faces an ongoing precipitation deficit.

The restrictions are similar to those introduced in New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Stamford in the past 18 months and are expected to be introduced throughout the company's entire service area in the coming years. Last spring a total of 860 million gallons of water were saved by going to a twice-weekly watering schedule in the four towns.

Westport's water consumption is above average. The average customer uses 124 gallons a day, compared to an 83 gallon average across the company's 51-town territory. Residents would still be able to use drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand-held watering at any time.

“Aquarion must be clear on its agenda for Westport. I know that Westport residents will be willing to do their part to conserve water if our local supply is truly vulnerable," said First Selectman Jim Marpe. "However, if we are looking at two new water tanks that take into account an increase in water usage, Aquarion must be forthcoming with its calculations. We need to understand the relationship between having another public utility structure in town with the requirement to reduce water utilization.”

Aquarion would be responsible for enforcement.

Below is an example of what the watering schedule may look like when it goes into effect.

Image via Shutterstock