Aquarion Lifts Water Ban In Bethel, Twice-Weekly Irrigation Rules In Place

NEWTOWN, CT — Outdoor water restrictions have been eased for Aquarion Water Company customers in Newtown and Bethel following the completion of an emergency interconnection with Newtown’s Fairfield Hills system.

The connection restores capacity lost after flooding on Aug. 18, 2024, when a culvert collapse blocked the Pootatuck River and damaged two Botsford wells. The flooding forced residents and businesses to endure more than a year of non-essential water use bans.

With supply now stabilized, customers are permitted to use sprinklers on a twice-weekly schedule through Oct. 31. Drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand watering remain allowed at any time.

Aquarion emphasized that the Fairfield Hills connection is temporary and meant for emergency use. Newtown and other parties continue negotiating with the railroad company responsible for the collapsed culvert, which remains unresolved.

The irrigation schedule is based on address numbers:

• Even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Sundays and Wednesdays, 12:01 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to midnight.
• Odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Saturdays and Tuesdays, 12:01 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to midnight.
• No address number: Sundays and Wednesdays, same hours.

Aquarion officials said they hope the program can continue into 2026 if customers comply with the restrictions.