As an early summer heat wave and a lengthy dry spell continue, Governor M. Jodi Rell has ordered status updates from state agencies with responsibilities for water quality and supply as well as agriculture, public safety and other issues. In addition, the state’s standing committee with responsibility for long-term management of drought-related issues will meet Monday.
Governor Rell is urging Connecticut residents to limit their water usage and to be careful while the state’s fire danger remains high.
“We are not in an emergency situation, but it is important for people to take sensible steps now to stretch our water supply,” Governor Rell said. “Many of our public water utilities are seeing extremely high demand. Until we get another good, soaking rain, it is simply common sense to avoid unnecessary water usage such as watering lawns, washing cars at home or running ornamental fountains. While we do expect some rain over the weekend, it is not likely to be enough to really refill the water table.
“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 meet on Monday to review the situation. In 2003, the panel developed a statewide plan to respond to water emergencies of varying severity.
For more information on water conservation and the Drought Work Group, visit www.ct.gov/waterstatus.
