Westport To Host Water Conservation Program Information Session

WESTPORT, CT - From The Town of Westport: On March 21, Aquarion Water Company will host an informational presentation from 7 – 9 PM at the Westport Town Hall auditorium on its permanent two-day per week water consumption limit on the use of in-ground irrigation systems and above-ground sprinklers. The public presentations will provide the rationale, expected benefits and the process related to the twice-weekly irrigation limits.

This mandatory irrigation schedule will take effect April 1, 2018 for the 2018 watering season. The restrictions are the same as those introduced in four other towns in southwestern Connecticut (Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford) in the past 18 months, and are expected to be introduced throughout Aquarion’s entire service area in the coming years.

According to Aquarion, water consumption in Westport is well above average and offers a prime opportunity for conservation. Figures from Aquarion indicate that Westport customers use an average of 124 gallons of water per day, compared to the 83 gallons per day used on average by customers across Aquarion’s 51-town service area.

Aquarion’s irrigation schedule is summarized in the following table:

Aquarion has been conducting information sessions on conservation in Westport. In April, the company will commence its communications strategy for the twice-weekly sprinkler irrigation schedule. Residents can expect to receive postcards and see advertisements and billboards throughout town. Irrigation contractors have been made aware of the mandatory schedule and are prepared to properly set client irrigation systems to comply.

The EPA and other experts identify the overuse of outdoor irrigation as a major source of strain on local water supplies while providing no benefit to lawns and gardens. Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford put twice-weekly irrigation limits in place last spring and saved 860 million gallons of water.

Based on the experience in those four communities, Aquarion expects to see a 10% reduction in water utilization in Westport as a result of this plan. The Town should expect to save millions of gallons of water per year.

According to Aquarion and the Connecticut Department of Health, research shows that lawns and gardens can thrive on reduced watering. By encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil, they are able to absorb more moisture and nutrients, even during dry spells. Residents may continue using drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand-held watering at any time.

Variance applications will be available on April 1 at www.aquarionwater.com/watering. For example, if new plantings or sod have been installed, a five-week variance would be allowed. Homeowners with properties two acres or greater can apply for a large property variance. An irrigation system audit is required as well as a 15% reduction in overall consumption.

Residents may also work with their irrigation contractor to apply for the high efficiency pilot program, which requires a high efficiency irrigation system and 20% reduction in over consumption.

More information on the new irrigation schedule, and information about landscaping and gardening with less water is available at www.aquarionwater.com/watering.

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