Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo is urging all residents to begin conserving water after Gov. Ned Lamont announced that Fairfield County has been elevated to a Stage 2 drought advisory.
The advisory also covers Middlesex and New Haven Counties and it comes after months of below-normal precipitation levels and ongoing dry conditions across the region.
First Selectman Camillo said this means all Greenwich residents should be mindful of their water usage and to take voluntary steps to help conserve water and protect local resources.
“While Greenwich has enough water today, the continued lack of rainfall is a concern for our region,” First Selectman Camillo said. “Now is the time for all of us to do our part. Even small changes in daily water use can make a significant impact in preventing the situation from worsening.”
The State of Connecticut’s Drought Preparedness and Response Plan outlines five stages of drought advisories:
· Stage 1: Below normal conditions
· Stage 2: Incipient drought
· Stage 3: Moderate drought
· Stage 4: Severe drought
· Stage 5: Extreme drought
A Stage 2 drought advisory is meant to be an awareness stage that indicates that emerging drought conditions could impact water supplies agriculture, and natural ecosystems. At this level, state and local officials increase monitoring, coordination and public communication to help reduce the risk of further progression.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily take the following steps to reduce water use such as:
· Turn off automatic outdoor sprinkler systems and limit lawn watering.
· Fix leaky plumbing and fixtures to prevent unnecessary water loss.
· Follow any water conservation requests or guidance issued by local water suppliers
· Use water-efficient appliances and reduce non-essential water use such as car washing and power washing.
“Our community has always responded responsibly in times like this,” First Selectman Camillo said. “By taking proactive steps now, we can help ensure the continued health of our water supply and the environment.”
For more information about current drought conditions and conservation tips, visit the Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup page at https://portal.ct.gov/Water/Drought/Interagency-Drought-Workgroup
