Weston, Redding, Easton Still In Drought Despite Snowfall As Aquarion Urges Conservation

WESTON-REDDING-EASTON, CT — Even after several recent snowstorms, much of Connecticut is still considered “abnormally dry” or in “moderate drought,” according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Aquarion Water Company is now urging residents in Weston, Redding and Easton to voluntarily conserve water as its reservoir system drops to 65% capacity.

That may seem surprising since snow has blanketed the state in recent weeks. But experts say drought isn’t just about what’s on the ground right now — it reflects longer-term rainfall trends.

“It’s almost a dormant drought this time of year,” said Brad Rippey, a meteorologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and author of this week’s Drought Monitor. “You look at the landscape and it doesn’t look dry because there’s snow, but many of the indicators are still showing signs of longer-term dryness going back to late summer.”

In other words, while recent storms have helped, they haven’t erased a rainfall deficit that has built up over many months.

Aquarion said its Eastern Fairfield County reservoir system has experienced a rainfall deficit of more than 13 inches over the past year.

The system serves Bethel, Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Newtown, Redding, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

Because of the lower reservoir levels, Aquarion is asking customers in those towns to voluntarily conserve water to help the system recover ahead of spring and summer, when outdoor watering demand typically increases.

Although snowfall has provided some relief, it doesn’t add as much water to reservoirs as it may seem. Officials note that about 10 inches of snow equals roughly one inch of rain.

“Due to current drought conditions, Aquarion is advising customers to voluntarily reduce their water use,” Aquarion President Lucy Teixeira said in a statement. “It is important for all of our customers to assist in this effort to help ensure our Eastern Fairfield County system recovers for spring and summer.”

Experts warn drought impacts can become more noticeable once temperatures rise.

“Even though it doesn’t look like drought, it can be very hidden this time of year,” Rippey said. “But once it warms up and dries out, the impacts can ramp up very quickly.”