September 13, 2010 | Michael Kirk

Stage III Water Advisory Issued

Stage III Water Advisory Issued for UConn Effective Sept. 13, the UConn water system has been placed on a “Stage III Drought Advisory,” as a result of low stream-flows in local rivers over a prolonged period of time. This latest drought stage sets certain mandatory water conservation measures, and the University is also urging the […]

Stage III Water Advisory Issued for UConn

Effective Sept. 13, the UConn water system has been placed on a “Stage III Drought Advisory,” as a result of low stream-flows in local rivers over a prolonged period of time. This latest drought stage sets certain mandatory water conservation measures, and the University is also urging the UConn community to voluntarily conserve water by doing the following:

  • Take short showers. Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.
  • 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 the dishwasher only when completely full.
  • Public water should not be used to wash building exteriors, driveways, sidewalks, or vehicles.
  • Raise the thermostat in UConn buildings, particularly when leaving at night.
  • Reconsider pouring water down the drain when there may be another use for it – such as watering a plant or garden.
  • Immediately report any leaky fixtures in UConn buildings to Facilities Operations (860-486-3113).

The following are mandatory:

  • Lawn watering is permissible only for up to four hours per day and only during the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This applies to all University and non-University users.
  • Athletic fields are allowed to be irrigated for up two hours day during the same hours.
  • Public or private pools can only be filled with water provided by pool truck.
  • Washing of motor vehicles is banned. The University’s wash bay will continue to be closed until further notice.
  • The use of ornamental or display fountains that use University water is banned.
  • The use of water for washing and wetting down streets, sidewalks, driveways, or parking areas is banned, unless required by the local public health authority.
  • The use of UConn water for dust control at construction sites is banned. Contractors are required to 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.

On July 6 and Aug. 13, the University issued notices announcing Stage I and Stage II drought conditions, respectively. The limited amount of rainfall since issuing the previous announcements has not been enough to relieve the drought or sustain stream-flows.

The University and its professional water system operator, New England Water Utilities Services, will continue to closely monitor and assess all relevant information, including daily consumption, well-field production and storage, environmental conditions, and precipitation forecasts.

“While our water system is able to meet current and projected demands, operating the supply wells can add stress to the local rivers that are already affected by the drought,” read a message to the University from Gene Roberts, director of facilities operations, and Rich Miller, director of UConn’s Office of Environmental Policy. “We ask for and appreciate your continued support and cooperation. By reducing consumption during these dry weather conditions, you can help us protect local streams and the aquatic life they support.”

Roberts and Miller asked that anyone with suggestions, comments, or questions contact them at eugene.roberts@uconn.edu (860-486-3185) or rich.miller@uconn.edu (860-486-5446).