Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) issued a water supply advisory urging residents and businesses in Norwich to consider conserving water due to current drought conditions. Although there is no immediate crisis, the advisory asks people to make small changes in daily water use to help manage the region’s limited water resources. Chris LaRose, NPU’s general manager, emphasized that small, collective efforts could significantly impact overall water availability, especially if drought conditions persist.
As of the latest measurements, NPU’s two primary reservoirs were slightly below their normal 5-year capacity levels, sitting at 79.5% capacity. This reduction, combined with a lack of rainfall, led NPU to initiate a water supply advisory. At the current capacity, the reservoirs hold enough water to last about 265 days. NPU monitors reservoir levels carefully and has specific thresholds for further action: if capacity drops to 70%, a “watch” advisory is triggered; at 60%, a “warning” is issued; and at 50%, an “emergency” is declared.
Norwich Urges Water Conservation Amid Persistent Drought as Reservoirs Drop Below Capacity LevelsTo support conservation efforts, NPU, in collaboration with the state Department of Public Health, provided a list of recommended actions for residents to follow.
These measures include refraining from washing outdoor surfaces, only running dishwashers when full, turning off faucets while performing tasks like brushing teeth or washing dishes, taking shorter showers, avoiding power washing, and fixing any leaks. By implementing these practices, residents can collectively reduce water consumption, helping to extend the available supply.
The drought has also increased demand for well drilling services, as lower groundwater levels affect shallow wells more significantly than deeper ones. LaFramboise Well Drilling, a local company, reports a surge in requests for well-deepening services as customers seek more reliable access to groundwater. However, deepening wells is costly, with expenses reaching up to $25,000, and the company’s vice president, Earl Semmelrock, noted that his team is already working overtime to keep up with the high demand.
In terms of weather relief, forecasts show little hope of immediate rain. According to local meteorologists, the earliest possibility for rainfall will likely be late Sunday into Monday, leaving the region dry for the coming week. This forecast underscores the importance of the conservation measures suggested by NPU and may mean continued or heightened advisories if conditions don’t improve soon.