Granby, East Granby Residents Should Reduce Water Usage by 15 Percent, Governor Says

HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is asking residents in Hartford County to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 15 percent.

Malloy said the strong suggestion is in response to the decision made by the Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup to issue the state’s first-ever Drought Watch.

He advised residents, "to be mindful" of their water consumption and to "limit unnecessary water usage when possible."

He added, “After three years of precipitation shortfalls, we are moving to a Drought Watch and it would be extremely helpful if residents could be mindful of their water consumption and "take sensible steps to help stretch our water supply."

Malloy said the Drought Watch also applies to Fairfield, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and Torrington counties.

The previously announced Drought Advisory that went into effect statewide in June will remain for New London and Windham Counties, where residents, businesses, and local governments are asked to reduce usage by about 10 percent, the governor said.

The Governor has directed the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services to review and implement areas where water usage among state government facilities can be reduced when possible.

A Drought Watch means that the state is already experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions, he said.

Paired with historically warm temperatures, precipitation in Connecticut ranged from 60 percent to 73 percent of normal conditions between June and September, Malloy said.

Drinking water reservoirs have continued to decline, and average levels statewide were at less than 80 percent of normal as of the end of September, with some reservoirs less than half full, the governor said.

Residents and businesses served by public water suppliers are urged to follow any advice or requests from their supplier and municipalities, as conditions will vary across the state. Residents and businesses supplied by groundwater wells should be aware of any local ordinances in place regarding water usage restrictions, and should conserve water to reduce the potential stress on their wells, neighboring wells, and on the environment.

To date, 20 water companies have requested voluntary conservation or imposed mandatory restrictions, Malloy said.

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