Drought Advisory Issued For City Of Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling issued a drought advisory Friday for the city of Norwalk in partnership with the First District Water Department and the South Norwalk Electric and Water Company.

According to a news release provided by the city, this announcement follows Governor Ned Lamont's declaration on Nov. 9 stating Stage 2 drought conditions for all eight counties in Connecticut due to far below normal precipitation levels and ongoing fire danger levels statewide.

A Stage 2 drought advisory is intended as an awareness stage, identifying an emerging drought event that could potentially impact water supplies, agriculture or natural ecosystems.

It is the second of five levels under the Connecticut Drought Preparedness and Response Plan, with Stage 1 being the lowest and Stage 5 the most extreme, according to the city.

"The lack of rainfall this fall has caused exceptionally dry conditions in Norwalk and across Connecticut, which have reduced groundwater levels and increased fire danger conditions, causing Governor Lamont to declare Stage 2 drought conditions across the state," Rilling said in a news release. "While our water levels haven't hit emergency drought levels at this point, I am issuing a drought advisory in the city of Norwalk to encourage residents to be proactive in doing their part to conserve water."

According to Rilling, drought conditions could continue into the months ahead. By taking steps now, the city can help preserve water supplies and mitigate potential harm.

"Since Connecticut remains at a very high to extreme fire risk, with no sufficient forecasted rainfall in our immediate future to alleviate conditions, I also want to remind everyone to be cautious regarding outdoor grills, fire pits or campfires," Rilling said. "The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection enacted a burn ban that remains in effect and prohibits the use of outdoor grills, fire pits, campfires and the kindling and use of flame outdoors at all state parks, forests and wildlife management areas statewide. We want everyone to use their best judgment and stay safe."

The city, the First District Water Department and SNEW also encourage residents to take the following steps to help conserve water:

• Shut down automatic outdoor irrigation.
• Take shorter showers and skip baths altogether (a full bathtub can use up to 70 gallons of water.
• Only wash full loads of laundry.
• Check for leaks around the house, including leaky toilets.
• Keep drinking water in the refrigerator so you don't have to run the faucet while it cools.
• Stop rinsing dishes before you place them in the dishwasher.
• Take your car to the automatic car wash instead of washing it at home.
• Reuse water for your plants wherever you can.
• Switch from a hose to a broom for cleaning your patio.
• Apply mulch to plants, shrubs and ornamental trees to reduce water evaporation from the soil.

You can find more tips on conserving water from the First District Water Department's website.

More information on the Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup and the State's drought plan can be found online here.

Rilling said the city will continue to monitor weather conditions and update the public accordingly while working closely with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the First District Water Department and SNEW.