STATE OF CONNECTICUT DROUGHT WORKING GROUP DECLARES STAGE 2 DROUGHT CONDITIONS EXIST IN ALL EIGHT COUNTIES
(HARTFORD, CT) – Today, Governor Ned Lamont approved a recommendation by the State of Connecticut’s Interagency Drought Working Group to declare that all eight Connecticut counties are experiencing Stage 2 Drought conditions due to precipitation across the state being below normal. Under the state’s drought plan adopted in 2018, Stage 2 identifies an emerging drought event, potentially impacting water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems.
“Residents should be mindful of their water consumption and take sensible steps to reduce impacts on other water uses and on the environment,” said Governor Lamont. “We must begin early steps now to mitigate the potential for harm should the drought become prolonged.”
“We have experienced drier than normal conditions in the spring and early summer,” said Office of Policy & Management Undersecretary Martin Heft, who chairs the Interagency Drought Workgroup. “The combination of precipitation shortfalls and an extended period above normal temperatures have impacted the state’s water resources and increased demands upon them. Residents should not be alarmed, but begin taking steps now to reduce their water usage.“
Residents and businesses across the state are being asked to voluntarily take the following measures to aid in minimizing future drought impact:
• Reduce automatic outdoor irrigation
• Postpone the planting of any new lawns or vegetation
• Minimize overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures
• Follow any additional conservation requests issued by water suppliers or municipalities
Tips on water saving measures can be found on the Department of Public Health’s website here.