CT Enters Stage 2 Drought: Here's What It Means For Us

CONNECTICUT — All of Connecticut has officially entered a stage two drought as a lack of rain and hot temperatures impact the state's water supply. Gov. Ned Lamont approved the recommendation of the state's Interagency Drought Working Group.

“Residents should be mindful of their water consumption and take sensible steps to reduce impacts on other water uses and on the environment,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. “We must begin early steps now to mitigate the potential for harm should the drought become prolonged.”

There are five drought stages in Connecticut's drought response plan, five being the most severe. Stage 2 is an emerging drought event, which potentially impact water supplies, agriculture and natural ecosystems.

Connecticut has entered the second stage five times in the past two decades in 2002, 2007, 2010, 2016 and 2020, according to OPM.

Most recently, four counties entered stage 3 in 2020.

“We have experienced drier than normal conditions in the spring and early summer,” said Office of Policy and Management Undersecretary Martin Heft, chair of 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."

The state's longest drought since 2000 occurred between June 2016 and May 2017 and lasted 46 weeks, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The most intense drought period was during November 2016, when nearly half of Connecticut entered USDM's extreme drought classification, which is the second-highest warning level under that system.

The 2016-2017 extreme drought prompted Aquarion Water Company to institute twice-weekly limits on sprinkler irrigation for some towns served by the company. The twice-weekly rules have remained in effect.

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“As a precaution, we’re asking for our customers’ participation as we work to conserve water,” Aquarion President Donald Morrissey said. “Our reservoir levels are currently sufficient, and we’re hopeful that rain amounts will soon return to normal. With our customers’ support, we are better able to mitigate the impacts of the current drought conditions.”

The Regional Water Authority, which primarily serves New Haven County, is also asking its customers to try and conserve water.

“While we currently have an adequate supply of water in our reservoirs, our request to customers to voluntarily reduce their water use by 10 percent, not only supports the Governor’s appeal, and protects our vital supply of clean, safe drinking water, but it also helps consumers save money on their water bill,” RWA CEO Larry Bingaman said.

Residents and businesses are advised to reduce automatic outdoor irrigation, postpone planting of new lawn or vegetation and minimize overall water use by fixing leaking plumbing and fixtures. People should also heed the conservation requests that come from water suppliers and municipalities.