Community Calling For Businesses, Residents To Conserve Water

SOUTHBURY, CT – The community is calling for residents, businesses and public agencies in the Pomperaug River Basin to voluntarily step up their water conservation efforts because of low river flows.

River flows in the Pomperaug River have hit the third and final trigger in the low-flow operation plan, according to town officials.

Customers of the Heritage Village Water Company and private well owners are encouraged to use water wisely. Now that the "water conservation strongly requested" action level has been reached, they are being asked to increase their water conservation efforts.

“The Town of Southbury is setting a water conservation example for the community,” stated Jeffrey Manville, First Selectman of the Town of Southbury, said in a prepared statement.

The Department of Public Works will limit car washing unless needed for maintenance, irrigation at town facilities will be reduced where possible and town hall has been requested to reduce water usage.

“The Pomperaug River and its ecosystem are a vital asset to Southbury and neighboring communities," Manville said. "We all need to do our part during low-flow periods.”

Conditions are anticipated to improve later this week with rain expected. However, the longer term precipitation deficit continues to have an impact on groundwater supplies that sustain stream flow and conservation will still be requested during this dry summer season.