Norwich Utility Asks Customers To Curb Water Use

NORWICH, CT — Norwich Public Utilities is asking customers to "consider making reasonable adjustments to their water use until conditions improve" due to the recent drought, according to a statement from the utility.

“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,” Chris LaRose, the utility's general manager, said in a statement. “A few small adjustments in daily routines can make a big difference if enough people respond to our request.”

The utility's two reservoirs are tracking slightly below their five-year normal cycle and were at 79.5% capacity as of Saturday morning. Because they're below the 80% threshold, the utility is required to issue a water supply advisory, which means that 265 days of water supply are remaining in the reservoirs.

The utility and the state Department of Public Health are asking the public to do the following:

• 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

The news comes as wildfires have broken out around the state due to persistently dry conditions. The biggest of those is the Lamentation Mountain fire in Berlin, which is now in its third week.

See related: Berlin Brush Fire: Optimism Sets In For Firefighters