Aquarion Asks Customers To Cut Indoor Water Use By 20% As Drought Deepens

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – With Connecticut’s drought increasing in severity, Bridgeport-based Aquarion Water Co. is urging customers throughout the southwestern part of the state to cut indoor water use by 20 percent.

Aquarion Water Co. is asking customers in Fairfield County to reduce indoor water usage.
Photo Credit: *Jenn Durfey via Flickr*

The Saugautuck Reservoir is several feet lower than usual last month, with the banks of the reservoir receding.
Photo Credit: *Carolyn Mueller*

Daily Voice

11/29/2016 6:30 p.m.

From Bridgeport to Greenwich, Aquarion’s reservoirs are at 15 percent to 60 percent of capacity, the water company said in a statement Tuesday. The company has been building temporary pipelines to balance the supply among its reservoirs.

"However, no end to the dry weather pattern is in sight, and state authorities are also seeking major reductions in usage," the statement said.

Aquarion is increasing its water conservation communications campaign to focus on simple, proven ways to “defeat the drought” by cutting back on indoor consumption. These tips include:

Fixing all drips and leaks
Turning off taps while washing hands, shaving and brushing teeth
Shortening shower times
Setting correct load levels when washing clothes
Getting drinking water from a pitcher kept chilled in the refrigerator
Switching to water-conserving showerheads, faucets, washers and toilets

“We need all customers to assist in this water conservation effort,” said Charles V. Firlotte, Aquarion's president and CEO. “It may take months of rainfall before reservoirs and wells return to normal capacity, which is why it’s so important for everyone to find new ways to save water.”

A public water supply emergency was declared in late summer in Greenwich, Stamford, New Canaan and Darien, which included a watering ban during late summer. A similar emergency declared last month in Danbury allowed the city to draw needed water from Lake Kenosia.

Despite Tuesday's heavy rain, 86 percent of Connecticut is under severe drought conditions and the remainder of the state is under moderate drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Aquarion has posted more ways to save water, including an interactive water calculator, at www.aquarionwater.com/conserve.

Aquarion is the public water supply company for more than 625,000 people in 51 cities and towns throughout Connecticut, including every town in Fairfield County. For more information, visit www.aquarionwater.com or www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.