Pomperaug River Hits Low-Flow Trigger, Southbury Residents Asked To Conserve Water

SOUTHBURY, CT — Local officials are urging residents in the Pomperaug River Basin to voluntarily cut back on water use after river levels fell below a key low-flow threshold this week.

The Pomperaug River recently dipped to about 12.9 cubic feet per second, dropping below the second action level of 15 cfs in the Heritage Village water system’s low-flow operations plan. That level, known as “Water Conservation Desired,” calls for voluntary conservation to help protect the Pomperaug Aquifer and maintain river flows.

Connecticut Water’s Heritage Village system, the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition and the Town of Southbury issued the conservation request Thursday. The three partners developed the low-flow plan to manage water use during dry conditions.

"This is the kind of scenario that was envisioned when the low-flow operations plan was developed," the organizations said in a joint statement, noting that low-flow periods typically occur between July and October. If river levels fall below 7 cfs, the highest action level will be reached, and stronger calls for conservation will follow.

Under the plan, three action levels guide responses:

• Increased Awareness at flows below 32.7 cfs
• Water Conservation Desired at flows below 15 cfs
• Water Conservation Strongly Requested at flows below 7 cfs

Heritage Village system customers and private well owners can find water-saving tips online here. Current flow levels and action status are posted online here.