Aquarion Asks Residents to Water on Odd/Even Basis

Aquarion Water Company, which serves Darien and 38 other Connecticut communities, is asking local residents to observe a set of voluntary water restrictions to help reduce system strain during the ongoing heat weave.

Though a water emergency has not been declared, Aquarion has received reports of low pressure and discoloration throughout Fairfield County. Officials said the company saw record levels of demand on Tuesday, pumping some 140 million gallons of water.

To "help ensure sufficient water supply and reduce the likelihood of outages," Aquarion is specifically requesting that customers conduct garden irrigation and lawn watering based on an even/odd street address schedule.

Those with odd street numbers are asked to limit these activities to odd-numbered dates, while those with even house numbers are asked to restrict themselves to even days. All are asked to conduct waterings from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. or from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to avoid peak usage hours.

Though new lawns require regular watering, customers with established lawns are requested to defer watering for a week, Aquarion spokesman Bruce Silverstone said in a statement.

The company has also released the following recommendations for households:

• Use watering cans or hoses with shut-off nozzles for gardens instead of sprinklers. 
• Defer washing boats, cars, and other motor vehicles at home for at least a week.
• When using a car wash, be sure it recycles its water.
• Turn off any ornamental fountains.
• Defer power-washing homes, decks or other areas.
• Cover pools when not in use to prevent evaporation.

In addition, municipalities and businesses have been asked to observe the following restrictions:

• Reduce use of water for any industrial and commercial air conditioners unless a re-circulating water system is in place.
• Do not use water to wet down streets, sidewalks, driveways, construction sites or parking areas unless the local health department certifies a health or safety risk.
• Do not put sprinkler caps on fire hydrants.
• Defer water use for street sweeping.
• Water athletic fields and clay tennis courts for one hour between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. only.
• Operate sprinklers or other irrigation systems on golf course greens and tees from 9 p.m.-midnight, or 3 a.m. - 6 a.m.