2nd Water Usage Advisory Issued In Manchester

MANCHESTER, CT — The town of Manchester Water Department is issuing a water conservation advisory to all "citizens, businesses, institutions, and users of the potable water supply" because the levels of the town's reservoirs have dropped to 69 percent of capacity due to the lack of precipitation.

An advisory issued in mid-August indicated the town's reservoirs had dropped to below 80 percent of capacity then.

"This past year's average rainfall is behind the annual average. Hopefully cooler weather, historically lower outdoor water use, and a wet fall will be enough to reverse this trend," officials said in the Friday announcement.

The conservation advisory requests that all users voluntarily conserve water by taking shorter
showers, running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, shutting off the water
while washing hands, shaving and brushing teeth, and minimizing the watering of lawns and
gardens.

Further voluntary conservation measures include limiting the power washing of homes,
sidewalks, and driveways; reducing the frequency of washing vehicles, and decreasing the
refilling of swimming pools. It is also recommended that any leaky plumbing fixtures be repaired
or replaced with low-flow devices.

"The Water Department will continue to monitor the level of the reservoirs and will lift the
advisory once the reservoir capacities return to normal. In the event conditions worsen, the
town may need to implement additional conservation measures in accordance with the Drought
Contingency Plan," officials said. "This may include mandatory use restrictions in order to ensure an adequate supply of water is available for normal domestic consumption and fire protection."

Click here to monitor the status of the reservoirs.