Guidance Offered For Area Residents, Businesses Regarding Ongoing Dry Conditions

From the Town of Avon:

October 28, 2020

Hartford, Tolland, Windham and New London Counties are currently experiencing conditions consistent with a Stage 3 or “Moderate” drought. The State has received increasing reports of low water levels in private wells, streams, agricultural water supplies and fire suppression ponds in the Stage 3 counties, particularly in eastern Connecticut. Conditions can vary locally within the Stage 3 area. In order to avoid further stress on the water supply and to reduce the potential for other threats that commonly occur as the result of a drought, residents and businesses in Stage 3 counties are being asked to voluntarily take the following measures:

• Follow best practices for water conservation and wise water use.
• End irrigation of established lawns and limit other outdoor water use.
• Those dependent upon private wells should limit water use to only essential needs to reduce the chance of well depletion and should review the state’s Guidance for Private Well Users document.
• Prepare for using alternative water sources in the event wells, farm ponds, fire suppression supplies or other critical water sources become depleted.
• Avoid burning in or near woodlands or brush lands, and obey any municipal or state orders for outdoor burning bans.

In the event that drought conditions continue to worsen, the State is prepared to implement targeted emergency response procedures in effected areas. We will continue to provide updates as they become available. For more information visit www.ct.gov/waterstatus.

This press release was produced by the City of Avon. The views expressed here are the author’s own.