NORWICH, Conn. — Norwich Public Utilities is asking that residential and commercial customers consider making reasonable adjustments to their water use until drought conditions are resolved.
“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,” said Chris LaRose, General Manager of NPU. “A few small adjustments in daily routines can make a big difference if enough people respond to our request.”
Officials said NPU’s two reservoirs are tracking slightly below their 5-year normal cycle and are at 79.5% of capacity as of Saturday morning. Since the reservoirs are below 80% capacity, a Water Supply Advisory is required, which indicates that the utility has approximately 265 days of water supply remaining in its two reservoirs.
If the drought conditions, further warnings will be issued.
- Water Supply Watch 70% capacity - approximately 230 days of supply
- Water Supply Warning 60% capacity - approximately 200 days of supply
- Water Supply Emergency 50% capacity - approximately 180 days of supply
NPU Officials and the State’s Department of Public Health provided the following tips for conserving water:
- 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
Doug Stewart is a Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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