Requesting Encroachment/LONO Letters from NHCRWA
What is an encroachment? Any improvement made within the NHCRWA easement or crossing the NHCRWA water line is considered an encroachment. Improvements could include paving, signage, landscaping, structures, utility crossing, or other below or above-grade features.
What kind of encroachments are allowed? NHCRWA does allow paving, landscaping (no trees), irrigation systems, curbs, fencing, lights, electrical lines, jogging trails, sidewalks, signage, utility crossings, and other infrastructure so long as it will not impact the integrity of the water transmission system. Requestors should refer to the NHCRWA water line easement agreement as well as the NHCRWA Design Manual for information on permissible encroachments (Design and Construction Documents). Note, landscape encroachment is only allowed for certain shrubs and plants. Landscaping with a potential to cause damage to the water line with their root system are not allowed.
What is the encroachment approval process? All encroachments must be reviewed and approved by NHCRWA prior to construction. A letter of Permitted Encroachment or a Letter of No Objection (LONO) will be issued upon approval. A guide to the approval process can be found here: Permitted Encroachment Request Process. Note, improvements constructed within the NHCRWA easement without approval may be subject to removal at the owner’s expense.