You can track the affects of
water conservation with this chart
(update through 8/27/2008 posted on 8-29-2008 9:48am EDT)

PRESS RELEASE

In an effort to be responsive to the needs of the community and to recognize the effects that the increased rainfall has had on our stream flows, we are modifying the mandatory restrictions in place on the accessory use of water from our public supply.

Effective August 15^th the following changes apply:

1. The period of restriction has been reduced by 8 hours – the new times are from Friday at 2:00 p.m. through Monday at 9:00 a.m.

2. The washing of boats and trailers has been removed from the restricted list.

All other restrictions remain in place. (See our ad in The Day on Friday and Saturday or visit the website.)

We wish to thank everyone for their immediate response and cooperation in implementing the restrictions over the past few weeks, which has effectively reduced water consumption.

As we relax these temporary restrictions, we encourage everyone to continue to practice conservation and to develop new habits regarding the use of water just as we have had to do with other resources. We continue to closely monitor daily consumption and invite your participation by following along on our Town website - click on the chart.

Thank you for your continued support.

Paul M. Formica, First Selectman, Town of East Lyme

Mandatory Water Conservation Measures Imposed for East Lyme

Notice of August 14, 2008

Water restrictions will be in effect each Friday from 2:00 p.m. through Monday 9:00 a.m. until further notice.

The following restrictions will apply to all customers of the East Lyme Public Water System:

1) Prohibiting the sprinkling, watering or irrigation of lawns.

2) Prohibiting washing of motor vehicles and the outdoor surfaces of all buildings and structures, sidewalks and driveways.

3) Prohibiting the filling or cleaning of swimming and wading pools.

4) Prohibiting the service of water to customers of public restaurants except at the specific request of customers.

Persons found violating any provision of the restrictions imposed by the Board of

Selectmen shall be fined not more than ninety-nine dollars ($99.00). In the case of

a continuing violation, each day’s continuance thereof shall be deemed to be a

separate and distinct offense. These restrictions are effective Friday, August 15, 2008 and will remain in effect until further notice.

Harvesting Rainwater with Rain Barrels, an Old Idea with a New Following

"What is a rain barrel?"

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from rooftops to use later for lawn and garden watering. Water collected in a rain barrel would normally pour off your roof directly or flow through roof gutter downspouts and become stormwater runoff. Depending on your yard, this runoff can travel onto paved surfaces and eventually into a storm drain.

"Why do I need a rain barrel?"

Installing a rain barrel can save you money. Residential irrigation can account for 40% of domestic water consumption. Rain barrels not only store water, they help decrease demand during the sweltering summer months. Only 1/4" of rainfall from the average roof will completely fill the typical barrel. A good formula to remember is: 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof yields 623 gallons of water.

Saving water in this manner will reduce your demand for tap water and save money on your water bill. If you are on a well you will realize savings on electricity used to operate your well pump.

Here is another great source of information from the University of Rhode Island-Healthy Landscapes http://www.uri.edu/ce/healthylandscapes/rainbsources.html