A Town of Newtown email blast on April 26 issued a reminder to Aquarion Water Company customers of water use restrictions in effect.

Since the August 2024 rainstorm and flooding, Aquarion’s primary water supply for its Newtown and Bethel system has remained offline. A collapsed railroad bridge downstream of Newtown wells continues to create ponded water in the wellfield, prohibiting its use.

To ensure an adequate water supply for daily use and fire flow, non-essential outdoor water use restrictions are in effect.

Prohibited Outdoor Water Uses

Prohibited outdoor water uses under the current restrictions include:

*Lawn watering by irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler;

*Car washing (except for commercial car washes);

*Washing of exterior building surfaces, decks, sidewalks, parking lots and driveways (except as needed to apply coatings); and

*Filling of swimming pools.

Home and business owners are permitted to use trucked pool water service that does not utilize this system’s water.

Permitted Outdoor Water Uses

Permitted outdoor water uses under the current restrictions include:

*Irrigation to meet a core commercial function (sprinkler irrigation must be completed between 9 pm and 5 am);

*Golf course greens and tees, and limited watering of fairways and roughs (gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants must be watered using drip irrigation or hand-held methods);

*Wedding and special event venues (again, gardens, flowers, and ornamental plants must be watered using drip irrigation or hand-held methods);

*Commercial nurseries and farms;

*Professional washing of exterior building surfaces, decks, sidewalks, parking lots and driveways as needed to apply coatings;

*Washing of boats to prevent saltwater impacts and the transfer of invasive species; and

*Hand-held watering or drip irrigation of residential gardens and ornamental plantings

These restrictions are subject to change. Variances will not be offered under these restrictions.

For more information see aquarionwater.com/conservation/irrigation/newtown-bethel-water-use-ban or contact Aquarion Water Company at Aquarion Water Company, 200 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe CT 06468; call 800-732-9678, or visit aquarionwater.com.