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BRIDGEPORT, CONN. – May 15 – Aquarion Water Company today reminded customers that the 2023 sprinkler irrigation schedule is in effect and continues until October 31.  The program is mandatory for customers in East Granby, Granby, and Simsbury.  The schedule helps to conserve water supplies by reducing overwatering of lawns and gardens through a maximum two days per week schedule.  The conservation program helps to ensure local water supplies remain sufficient for critical needs such as human consumption and fire protection.  

Since its launch, the sprinkler irrigation schedule has helped save more than two billion gallons of water, which has helped towns avoid a complete ban on outdoor water use during dry summer months.  Under the irrigation schedule, Aquarion expects to save millions of gallons of water.

Homes and businesses with automatic sprinkler irrigation systems often use large volumes of water – about 40% more than properties without the systems.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), up to half the water used outdoors can be lost through overwatering, leaks, and evaporation.  This waste in turn places strain on local water supplies while providing no benefit to lawns and gardens.  Research shows that lawns and gardens can thrive on reduced watering. By encouraging roots to grow deeper into the soil, they’re able to absorb more moisture and nutrients, even during dry spells. Customers may continue to water by hand or use drip irrigation or soaker hoses at any time.  

The permanent, twice-weekly irrigation schedule is in effect until October 31 and follows the requirements below:

More information about the irrigation schedule, and information about landscaping and gardening with less water is available at www.aquarionwater.com/watering. Some residents may qualify for a variance from the schedule.  If customers, for example, have installed new plantings or sod in the spring, they would be allowed to water more frequently to help get plants established.