Connecticut mulls landscape watering restrictions

A Connecticut state task force is creating a model ordinance for towns when water supplies are low. Restricting landscape irrigation may be the first action, said Bob Heffernan, Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association executive secretary.

Currently, the state has six levels of action: Drought advisory, drought watch, drought warning, and emergency phases I, II and III. During the emergency phases, the state drought task force wants landscape irrigation banned first, before filling swimming pools, washing cars or flushing streets, Heffernan said.

The task force met this spring and asked for input from the green industry. CNLA told the task force to focus on the quantity, timing and method of watering landscapes, instead of just shutting off the water.

CNLA officials also pointed out a legal contradiction. In Connecticut, 80-90 percent of all landscaping is required by the towns in approving residential and commercial projects, “but a poorly worded ordinance might order the landscaping be killed.”

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For more: CNLA, (203) 445-0110; www.flowersplantsinct.com.