Aquarion Begins Mandatory 2026 Lawn Watering Schedule In Westport And 17 Other CT Communities

WESTPORT, CT — Aquarion Water Company has started its 2026 sprinkler irrigation schedule, a mandatory program for customers in 18 Connecticut towns and cities, including Westport, that runs through Oct. 31.

In addition to Westport, the company said the program applies in Bethel, Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Greenwich, Monroe, New Canaan, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Shelton, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston and Wilton.

Bridgeport, Monroe, Redding, Shelton and Stratford were added for 2026, according to the company, which said the program is intended to conserve water supplies by reducing overwatering of lawns and gardens through a maximum of two watering days per week.

According to Aquarion, the conservation program also helps ensure local water supplies remain sufficient for critical needs such as human consumption and fire protection. Since the program launched, it has saved an estimated 6 billion gallons of water; Aquarion said that has helped communities avoid added restrictions on outdoor water use during dry summer months.

The company reported that homes and businesses with automatic sprinkler irrigation systems often use about 40 percent more water than properties without them. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, up to half the water used outdoors can be lost through overwatering, leaks and evaporation.

— Table from Aquarion Water Company

Aquarion said that wasted water strains local supplies while providing no benefit to lawns and gardens, which can thrive on reduced watering. The company also said reduced watering can encourage roots to grow deeper into the soil, allowing them to absorb more moisture and nutrients during dry spells.

The twice-weekly irrigation schedule is now in effect and remains in place until Oct. 31. Aquarion said drip irrigation, soaker hoses and hand-held watering are allowed at any time.

More information about the mandatory schedule is available at www.aquarionwater.com/watering. According to Aquarion, some residents may qualify for a variance from the schedule.