Due to the lack of a soaking rain and a dry spell in the near-term forecast, Governor M. Jodi Rell is urging residents and businesses to limit their water usage and to be mindful that the state’s fire danger remains high. The Governor’s Interagency Drought Advisory Workgroup (www.ct.gov/waterstatus) met Wednesday to analyze statewide water-related data. The Workgroup’s review triggered the state’s entry into the Drought Advisory Stage.
The Workgroup noted that the state has experienced an excessive number of days with high temperatures over 90 degrees. These temperatures have increased evaporation rates which have in turn impacted crops, diminished stream flow and groundwater levels and led to a higher fire danger status across Connecticut. Groundwater and stream flow levels have fallen to the lower end of their historic, normal range and will continue to fall unless the state receives some significant precipitation over the next several weeks.
“We are not in an emergency situation, but it is important for people to take sensible steps to stretch our water supply,” Governor Rell said. “The two week precipitation outlook is not favorable and conditions are likely to deteriorate across much of the state.
“I am asking all Connecticut residents to use common sense and to avoid unnecessary water usage such as watering lawns, washing cars at home or running ornamental fountains. While current water supplies are adequate across much of the state, I urge all residents and businesses to please cooperate with your local water utilities and follow their recommendations.
“These water conservation measures should also be heeded by people with private wells as well – no water supply is inexhaustible,” the Governor said. “At the same time, the dry weather increases the risk of brush, grass and forest fires. Careless smoking, improper burning and other fire risks must be eliminated.”
The Interagency Drought Work Group will continue to provide updates to the Governor over the next several days. The panel has developed a statewide plan to respond to water emergencies of varying severity.
