Over the last thirty days, Connecticut has experienced lower than normal rainfall, with rain amounts totaling an estimated one inch, compared to four inches of rain which would typically fall in this time period.  Lower rainfall, combined with high water demand, has led the State of Connecticut's lnteragency Drought Working Group to declare that all eight counties in the state are experiencing Stage 2 Drought conditions.  These conditions can lead to a drought event and can impact water supplies, agriculture, and the environment.  In light of these conditions, Aquarion is reminding its customers about the importance of water conservation.

Currently, Aquarion customers living in 13 towns are under a mandatory, twice-weekly irrigation schedule until October 31.  Aquarion customers in the Fairfield County towns of Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Newtown, Stamford and Westport; the Hartford County towns of East Granby, Granby, and Simsbury; and the New London County towns of Groton, Mystic, and Stonington should continue following the mandatory, twice-weekly sprinkler irrigation schedule.

Mandatory, Twice-Weekly Sprinkler Irrigation Schedule in Darien, East Granby, Fairfield, Granby, Greenwich, Groton, Mystic, New Canaan, Newtown, Simsbury, Stamford, Stonington, and Westport

Aquarion also encourages customers that live outside of these 13 towns to voluntarily follow this schedule as an easy way to conserve water.

“As a precaution, we’re asking for our customers’ participation as we work to conserve water,” said Donald Morrissey, Aquarion President.  “Our reservoir levels are currently sufficient, and we’re hopeful that rain amounts will soon return to normal.  With our customers’ support, we are better able to mitigate the impacts of the current drought conditions.”

In order to use water more efficiently, Aquarion is encouraging customers to take the following actions:

Outdoor water conservation measures

• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your lawn requires less water.

• Reduce your sprinkler setting to our two days per week schedule. The grass roots will grow deeper and make your grass more drought tolerant.

• Adjust your sprinklers so that they're watering your lawn and garden, and not the street or sidewalk.

• Use hand watering or drip irrigation for shrubs and flowers.

• Delay new plantings until the fall.

• Inspect your overall irrigation system for leaks, broken lines or blockage in the lines. A well-maintained system will save you money, water, and time.

Indoor water conservation measures

• Turn off the water while lathering up, shaving, or brushing your teeth.

• Minimize baths and the amount of water you use for each. Trim one minute off the length of your showers.

• Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.

• Hand wash dishes in a pan or the sink, not under continuous running water.

• Reuse dehumidifier water or use a bucket to capture shower and bath water while you wait for it to warm up; then use the water to water your plants.

Visit www.aquarionwater.com/conserve for additional water conservation tips.