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Board considers odd/even watering and smart‑controller rules to conserve water during droughts
Summary
A draft amendment to Chapter 180 would limit automatic lawn irrigation (odd/even addresses), ban irrigation 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and require rain sensors/smart controllers on new automated systems; board members asked for carve‑outs for agriculture, vegetable gardens, and establishment periods and raised enforcement questions.
Jake Turner presented a proposed amendment to Chapter 180 to curb lawn irrigation waste: an odd/even schedule tied to street addresses, a prohibition on irrigation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and a requirement that new automated irrigation systems include rain sensors and smart controllers. Turner said the draft is modeled closely on Southold's ordinance and aims to reduce unnecessary water use during drought conditions.
The draft applies to both public water customers and private wells; Turner and staff explained that East Hampton relies on a sole‑source aquifer and that cumulative irrigation can strain supplies. The proposed code would allow the director of natural resources to grant exemptions (for example, for established agricultural operations) and would include penalties enforced through administrative adjudication.
Board members supported conservation goals but raised practical concerns: whether vegetable beds, flower gardens or small residential irrigation should be exempt, the costs of required sensors for modest homeowners, technological compatibility with odd/even schedules, and how to implement fair enforcement. Members suggested carving out agriculture and production gardens, clarifying hand‑watering rules, allowing exemptions for establishment of new landscaping, and using education and a phased implementation before issuing fines.
What's next: staff will refine draft language to clarify applicability (commercial vs. residential), carve‑outs for agriculture and gardens, enforcement mechanisms (administrative adjudication), and potential fee or exemption guidance, then return to the board for further review.
