As a result of a new request by the Aquarion Water Company, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a second water supply emergency order in Greenwich, as well as Darien, New Canaan and Stamford. This is in accordance with Connecticut General Statute 25-32b allowing DPH to make this declaration.
This new order helps increase the likelihood of refilling the Greenwich and Stamford reservoir systems. As of February 17, 2017, the Greenwich system was approximately 68 percent full, while the Stamford system measured 61 percent full. These systems are typically 88 percent full this time of year.
The new order continues the irrigation ban, while permitting some specific outdoor water uses. These outdoor uses include:
- Using fire hydrants for fire protection, fire training, and flushing of sewers, or where a threat to public health or safety may exist
- Repairing or testing of a new or existing automatic irrigation system
- Using drip irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand-watering
- Irrigating nursery stock at a commercial plant nursery
- Power washing of residences and commercial buildings
- Watering of golf course greens and tees, but not fairways
- Filling or adding water to pools used for private or public recreational purposes
- Using water for Industrial and commercial air conditioning
- Washing boats and motor vehicles
- Using ornamental or display fountains where the water used is being recycled
- Using water for dust control at construction sites
- Using water for municipal street sweeping
Aquarion Water Company President and CEO, Charles V. Firlotte, said, “This second DPH order enables Aquarion to meet water needs for human consumption and fire protection, while allowing for a variety of daily outdoor water uses in Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford.”
