GOVERNOR LAMONT DECLARES STAGE 3 DROUGHT CONDITIONS FOR NEW LONDON AND WINDHAM COUNTIES

Connecticut continues to experience the impacts of climate change with this exceptionally dry summer, and while the entire state is experiencing drought conditions, we are seeing the most severe of those conditions right now in the areas of New London and Windham counties,” Governor Lamont said.

To avoid further stressing water supplies and other impacts of drought, the Governor has requested State and local governments, residents, and businesses to voluntarily observe the following measures in addition to the mandatory ones currently in effect:

• Reduce, to the extent possible, the watering of lawns, recreational and athletic fields, gardens, or other landscaped areas (if watering is essential, late evening hours are best)
• Avoid burning in or near woodlands or brushlands
• Report dry fire/irrigation ponds or private wells to municipal drought liaisons or regional emergency management liaisons
• Postpone the planting of any new lawns or vegetation
• Minimize overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures
• Take shorter showers
• Run dishwashers and clothes washing machines with full loads
• Shut off water while washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, and lathering up to wash hands, rather than running the water continuously
• Avoid washing vehicles or power-washing homes and other buildings
• Do not use water to clean sidewalks, driveways, and roads
• Do not use public water to fill residential swimming pools

Governor Lamont’s Press Release

Tips on water-saving measures can be found on the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s website and on the Connecticut Water Planning Council’s website.