Regional Water Authority Urges Reduction Of Water Usage After Drought Declaration

NEW HAVEN, CT — It's not clear if Monday's rain will make up for "persistent dry weather" of late that led in part to the state's Stage 2 drought declaration. But the Regional Water Authority is asking its customers to voluntarily reduce their water use by 10 percent.

Stage Two of the state’s drought plan is identified as an emergent drought event, potentially impacting water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems.

Less rainfall and the rising summer temperatures have a compounding effect, and taking steps to conserve water voluntarily can positively affect the system.

“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 last week, “We must begin early steps now to mitigate the potential for harm should the drought become prolonged.”

RWA President and CEO Larry Bingaman said that it takes very little effort to help 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% 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,” Bingaman said. “Just a few simple steps to conserve 10% of water use will help prolong available water supplies, reduce demand on the system and stress on local water resources as well as on the environment, and lower customer bills.”

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker joined in to add that everyone needs to "do our part to eliminate non-essential water use, and the little things we do every day make a big difference."

“Whether it’s taking shorter showers, turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth, making sure the dishwasher and laundry loads are full before putting them on," he said. "All those individual actions by each us add up to make a big collective impact and will help our city, region, and state manage through this drought declaration in a safe and responsible manner.”

The RWA is asking its customers to be mindful of water usage this summer by eliminating non-essential water use. Here are some simple things customers can do:

Customers’ wise water usage throughout the RWA service area can equal substantial water savings. The RWA has additional suggestions on saving water and will share updates on customers’ conservation efforts on our Water Wise Ways page. Customers without internet access can call the RWA Customer Care Center at 203-562-4020.

About the Regional Water Authority

Trusted since 1849, the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a nonprofit water utility and environmental services corporation that makes life better for people by providing high-quality water and services to almost 430,000 people in 15 cities and towns throughout Greater New Haven. As a conscious business, the RWA acts as a responsible steward of the environment by protecting the more than 27,000 acres of watershed land it owns and promoting sustainable practices. Our employees work toward our vision of being an innovative water utility that sustains life, strengthens communities, and protects natural resources for future generations. For more information on the RWA, please visit rwater.com.