Gov. Ned Lamont declares Stage 2 drought advisory for multiple counties
Gov. Ned Lamont declared a Stage 2 drought advisory on Wednesday for Middlesex, Fairfield and New Haven counties due to significantly low streamflow, decreased rain and increased wildfire danger across the state.
A Stage 2 drought advisory is an awareness stage of the five level Connecticut Drought Preparedness and Response Plan.
“The purpose of increasing these counties to Stage 2 is to raise awareness that if drier conditions persist, there is a possibility that this emerging drought event will intensify,” Lamont said. “While rain is in the forecast over the coming days, it is not predicted to be the long soaking rain we need to overcome current drought conditions.”
Lamont’s decision comes at the recommendation of the Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup, which is a state entity that regularly makes recommendations to the governor on the state’s response to droughts.
The entity’s recommendation followed its assessment of precipitation, surface waters, groundwater, drinking water reservoirs and fire conditions.
Individuals and businesses in the affected areas are encouraged to reduce unnecessary water use. Suggestions include limiting outdoor irrigation during daylight hours, fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures and running dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
Those in affected areas should also look out for conservation requests from local water suppliers.
Information on current drought conditions across the state can be found at the Connecticut Drought Information Center.
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