With area rivers and wells continuing to run low and no rain forecast this week, the University is reminding all users of UConn’s water system that the campus remains in a Stage II Drought Watch that includes both voluntary and mandatory water conservation measures.

In an e-mail to the Storrs campus, Gene Roberts, director of facilities operations, and Richard Miller, environmental policy director for UConn, asked students, faculty, staff, and other UConn water system users to reduce their water use:

• Take short showers. Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.
• Use water only as needed when washing dishes, shaving, and brushing teeth. Don’t let the faucet run unnecessarily.
• Use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
• Run the dishwasher only when completely full.
• Reconsider pouring water down the drain when there may be another use for it –such as watering a plant or garden.
• Raise the thermostat in UConn buildings, particularly when leaving at night.
• Immediately report any leaky fixtures in UConn buildings to Facilities Operations at 860-486-3113.
• Public water should not be used to wash building exteriors, driveways, sidewalks, or vehicles.

They also listed the following mandatory measures:

• 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 for all University and non-University users.
• Athletic fields are allowed to be irrigated for up two hours a 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 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.

Their e-mail noted that the University and its professional water system operator, New England Water Utilities Services, are continuing to closely monitor and assess all relevant information (daily consumption, wellfield production and storage, environmental conditions, and weather forecasts).

“While we have received some rain since issuing our previous water conservation notices, it has not been enough to relieve the drought,” wrote Roberts and Miller.

The drought notices that were announced are based on unusual environmental factors and not the ability of UConn’s system to meet current or projected demand. Because pumping of the system’s water supply wells during drought periods can exacerbate low flow conditions in local rivers that are already stressed, Roberts and Miller urged water users to “understand that the drought watch remains in place, and do your part to adhere to the corresponding water conservation measures.

“We ask for and appreciate your continued support and cooperation,” they added. “By reducing consumption during these dry weather conditions, you can help us protect local streams and the aquatic life they support.”

The University will provide regular updates through e-mails and on the Facilities website.