BRIDGEPORT — Despite receiving some beneficial rainfall over the last few weeks, high temperatures and high water demands continue to reduce water reservoir levels in Connecticut. This year’s below-average rainfall has resulted in southwestern Fairfield County hitting its second drought trigger this summer. To help avoid further mandatory water restrictions, Aquarion Water Company is urging customers to continue conserving water.

Customers who live in Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Newtown, Stamford, and Westport — the six towns currently under a mandatory, twice-weekly irrigation schedule —are being asked to continue reducing water usage by 20 percent and reminded to follow the mandatory sprinkler irrigation schedule that is already in place. Aquarion also encourages customers who live outside of these six towns to voluntarily follow this schedule as an easy way to conserve water.

As it currently exists, that schedule is:

Customers whose home addresses end in even numbers have been asked to water only on Sundays and Wednesdays between 12:01 and 10 am or between 6 pm and midnight.

Customers whose home addresses end in odd numbers have been asked to water only on Saturdays and Tuesdays between 12:01 and 10 am or between 6 pm and midnight.

Customers whose home addresses have no number have been asked to water on the same schedule as those with even numbers.

“Aquarion appreciates all of our customers’ efforts to reduce nonessential water use,” said Donald Morrissey, Aquarion President. “However, we will need everyone’s participation to avoid a third drought trigger.”

Based on current water demands and expected rainfall, the third drought trigger could be hit in the next few weeks. The third drought trigger would require additional mandatory restrictions.

In order to use water more efficiently, Aquarion is encouraging customers to take the following actions:

Outdoor water conservation measures

*Adjust lawn mowers to a higher setting. A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so lawns requires less water.

*Reduce sprinkler settings to two days per week. The grass roots will grow deeper, making them more tolerant to drought.

*Adjust sprinklers to water only lawns and gardens, and not streets or sidewalks.

*Turn off irrigation systems and use hand watering or drip irrigation for shrubs and flowers.

*Inspect overall irrigation system for leaks, broken lines, or blockage in the lines. A well-maintained system will save money, water, and time.

Indoor water conservation measures

*Turn off the water while lathering up, shaving, or brushing teeth.

*Minimize baths and the amount of water used for each. Trim one minute off the length of your showers.

*Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.

*Hand wash dishes in a pan or the sink, not under continuous running water.

*Reuse dehumidifier water or use a bucket to capture shower and bath water while you wait for it to warm up; then use the water to water your plants.

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 52 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, as well as serving customers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Visit aquarionwater.com/conserve for additional water conservation tips.