Manchester Water Department Issues Water Conservation Alert

MANCHESTER, CT — The Manchester Water Department has issued a water conservation alert for all users of its potable water supply because the levels of the municipal reservoirs have dropped to 77.3 percent of capacity.

The blame goes to "the lack of precipitation and general water usage," officials said.

Officials added, "The past year's average rainfall is behind the annual average, however we expect the fall (weather) to result in a decrease in outdoor watering and increased precipitation will reverse the need for further conservation efforts."

This conservation alert requests that all users be "mindful" of water usage by taking shorter showers, running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, shutting off the water while washing hands, shaving and brushing teeth and "minimizing" the watering of lawns and gardens.

According top the alert, further water reductions can include "avoiding" the power washing of homes, sidewalks, and driveways, "reducing" the frequency of washing vehicles and refilling swimming pools. It is also being recommended that any leaky plumbing fixtures be repaired or replaced with low-flow devices.

The Water Department will continue to monitor the level of the reservoirs and will lift the alert once the reservoir capacities return to normal, officials said.

In the event conditions worsen, the town may need to implement additional measures in accordance with the local Drought Contingency Plan, officials said.

This may include up to mandatory use restrictions to "ensure an adequate supply of water is available for normal domestic consumption and fire protection," officials said while asking residents to be "proactive."