HARTFORD, Conn. — Gov. Ned Lamont declared a Stage 2 drought advisory for all eight counties in Connecticut due to significantly below normal precipitation levels and heightened fire danger across the state.
The advisory, the second level in Connecticut’s five-stage drought response system, is meant to raise awareness of an emerging drought that could affect water supplies, agriculture and natural ecosystems.
“The lack of rain over the past two months has led to dry conditions, increased wildfire risks and reduced groundwater levels,” Lamont said. “We want to encourage residents to be mindful of their water usage and take steps to conserve resources.”
The Stage 2 advisory follows a state of emergency declared last month, which remains in effect. The declaration prompted the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to implement a burn ban, restricting outdoor grilling, campfires and other open flames at state parks and wildlife areas.
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The advisory was issued after the Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup, composed of state and federal agencies, assessed drought indicators including precipitation, groundwater and fire danger. The workgroup’s analysis confirmed that the state has experienced its driest two-month period on record since 1905.
“As we face this ongoing dry spell, it’s important to act early to mitigate potential damage,” said Martin Heft, chairman of the workgroup.
To minimize drought impact, residents and businesses are urged to take voluntary actions such as shutting down automatic outdoor irrigation, fixing leaks and following local conservation requests. Those relying on private wells or localized water sources should be particularly cautious.
The state’s drought preparedness plan outlines five stages of severity, from Stage 1 (below normal) to Stage 5 (extreme). The most recent drought advisories were issues in 2022, when six counties reached Stage 2 and two counties were elevated to Stage 3.
For more information on drought conditions and conservation tips, visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health website.
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Chris Charbonneau is a assignment desk editor at FOX61 News. He can be reached at CCharbonneau@FOX61.com.
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