NPU issues Water Supply Advisory and encourages water conservation as drought conditions persist in region

NORWICH – As Connecticut and the region continue to experience abnormally low levels of rain, Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) is asking that residential and commercial customers consider making reasonable adjustments to their water use until conditions improve.

“While we are not in an emergency situation, we are asking our customers to help us manage through the current conditions and cut back their water use whenever they can,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of NPU. “A few small adjustments in daily routines can make a big difference if enough people respond to our request.”

NPU’s two reservoirs are tracking slightly below their 5-year normal cycle and are at 79.5% of capacity as of Saturday morning. Now that NPU reservoirs are below 80% capacity, a Water Supply Advisory is required, which indicates that the utility has approximately 265 days of water supply remaining in its two reservoirs.

Should the drought conditions persist, the following thresholds would follow:

Water Supply Watch                           70% capacity – approximately 230 days of supply

Water Supply Warning                        60% capacity – approximately 200 days of supply

Water Supply Emergency                   50% capacity – approximately 180 days of supply

NPU and the State Department of Public Health are asking the public to consider the following tips for conserving water:

• Refrain from any unnecessary or wasteful uses of water, such as rinsing sidewalks, driveways or patios
• Run dishwashers or washing machines with full loads only
• Do not leave a faucet running when washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth and washing hands
• Take shorter showers; reduce your time in the shower by one minute a day until you are in and out of the shower in under five minutes
• Avoid power washing homes and buildings and washing vehicles
• Fix any leaks in and around your home or business immediately