Manchester Water Department Issues Conservation Alert

MANCHESTER, CT — The Town of Manchester Water Department Wednesday issued a water conservation alert to all residents, businesses, institutions and "users of the potable water supply."

The alert was issued because the levels of the town's reservoirs have dropped to 79.4 percent capacity "due to the lack of precipitation and general water usage," municipal officials said.

"The average rainfall for this year is below the annual average, but we expect the fall weather to result in a decrease in outdoor watering and forecasted precipitation will reverse the need for further conservation efforts," town officials said.

The alert is requesting that all water users "be mindful of water usage" by:

• Taking shorter showers
• Running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
• Shutting off the water while washing hands, shaving and brushing teeth
• Minimizing the watering of lawns and gardens

Further water reductions can include:

• Avoiding power washing homes, sidewalks and driveways
• Reducing the frequency of washing vehicles and refilling swimming pools
• Repairing leaky plumbing fixtures or replacing then with low-flow devices

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