AVALON – The borough will be changing its irrigation regulations to accommodate an odd/even system based on home address. That was the consensus that came out of a discussion of the issue at the Borough Council meeting Feb. 28.

Current irrigation rules divide the community in half at 30th Street, creating two zones north and south of that demarcation line. Each zone is allowed to irrigate every other day. Business Administrator Scott Wahl admitted at a previous council meeting that the borough has not rigorously enforced the irrigation ordinance since it went on the books in 2012.

The proposed change to an odd and even system that relies on the property address follows from meetings the borough held with some of the larger landscaping firms that serve the community. Under the new proposed regulations, homes will be allowed to irrigate on appropriate odd or even days. Irrigation would be allowed for 30 minutes a day anytime from midnight to 9 a.m.

Rising water usage levels are what prompted the borough to review its irrigation regulations. In a January presentation, Wahl told the council that water usage in 2023 had risen to 87.2% of the annual state water allocation. The borough cannot remove more water from the aquifer than the limit set by its allocation.

Wahl told the council that the borough was a major user of water for irrigation, especially at its recreation areas. “The borough will 100% abide by the irrigation rules going forward,” Wahl said.

Wahl proposed that 2024 be a year in which the borough initiates an education and awareness campaign to make clear the new rules and to build an understanding of why they are important. Enforcement of the regulations for those who still do not abide by them would follow in 2025.

The new proposal was a matter of discussion at the council work session. Wahl said the administration would return to council with an ordinance amendment for formal action.

Contact the author, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.