University officials today issued a Stage II drought watch for the Storrs campus, which brings with it a number of water restrictions for users on and around the campus.

“Low stream flows in our local rivers have necessitated that the UConn water system advance to the next stage of drought response,” says Gene Roberts, director of facility operations. “The Stage II drought watch includes mandatory water conservation measures, and we also recommend several ways in which water users can continue to voluntarily conserve water.”

The University issued a Stage I drought advisory in early July, which seeks voluntary conservation of water. Recent dry weather has forced officials to mandate conservation. The mandate includes:

• Lawn watering for all University and non-University users is limited to four hours or less per day and only between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Athletic fields will be allowed up to two hours of water per day during the same hours;
• Filling of public or private pools must be provided only by delivery from a non-UConn source;
• Car washing is prohibited. The University’s wash bay will be closed until further notice;
• The use of ornamental or display fountains is prohibited;
• The use of water for washing or wetting down streets, roadways, driveways, or parking areas is banned unless required by a local public health authority;
• The use of UConn water for dust control at construction sites in banned. Contractors must provide water for dust control from off site;
• The use of hydrant sprinkler caps is banned;
• Water main flushing will only be used to address water quality issues.

Additionally, students, faculty, and staff are asked to take shorter showers; run dishwashing machines only with full loads; use water only as needed when washing dishes, brushing teeth, or shaving; and to raise the thermostat in UConn buildings, especially when leaving at night.

“By reducing consumption during these dry weather conditions, faculty, staff, students, and members of the community can help us reduce groundwater withdrawals and protect local streams and the aquatic life they support,” says Richard Miller, director of the University’s Office of Environmental Policy.

UConn officials have contacted Mansfield officials, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of Public Health.