Thanks to recent rainy weather that has bolstered area water supplies, the University has lifted the mandatory water conservation measures that first went into effect on Aug. 13.

In an e-mail letter to the Storrs campus today, Facilities Operations director Gene Roberts and Rich Miller, director of the Office of Environmental Policy, cautioned that while stream flow in area rivers is higher than it was during the period of drought this summer, it still falls short of where it needs to be. They noted that voluntary water conservation measures are still in effect on campus.

These include:

• Take short showers.
• Use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
• Use water only as needed when washing dishes, shaving, and brushing teeth.
• Don’t let the faucet run unnecessarily.
• Run dishwashers only when completely full.
• Use of public water to wash building exteriors, driveways, sidewalks, or a vehicle is discouraged.
• Reconsider pouring water down the drain when there may be another use for it.
• Immediately report any leaky fixtures in UConn buildings to Facilities Operations (860-486-3113).

“While our water system is able to meet current and projected demands, operating the supply wells can add stress to the local rivers that were affected by the drought,” wrote Roberts and Miller. “We expect to remain in a Water Conservation Alert until we’re confident that the Fenton River stream flow will be sustained above three cubic feet per second. This critical threshold was identified in the comprehensive river study and incorporated into our drought response plan.”

UConn does not take water directly from the Fenton or Willimantic Rivers, but draws water from the same underground water supply that feeds the rivers.

Stream flow information for the Fenton River is available on the United States Geological Survey’s website.