[Cambium]

Originally Posted by Wilton2ParkAve

The reservoir level for the state is at 93.8% so we're certainly not in a formal drought. No need to panic. We've been dry since Jan 1 but at normal levels over the trailing 12 months. If Cam is right and the real fall shows up soon we'll also see more rain soon in addition to cooler temps!

Models were showing a better rain pattern but now flipped back to staying dry another 10 days at least. We'll see. I think we are starting to have better "chances" now then before so we'll see. Things can change in that sense. We might change into a dry cool pattern now vs warm and dry we been in since mid July.

Graphic regarding the drought. Soil moisture continues to evaporate.



Also.. keep in mind.. cooler temps = a northerly flow which = drier air which = less humid which = more ground evaporation.

[Cambium]

Just got this in the mail with the water bill... Drought this year more severe than last year.


We are about 8-16 inches below normal across CT since April 1st. Since we missed out on 2 tropical systems that could of helped, it's going to take a few NorEasters now.





In Greenwich last month. Sign still there today







High Plains Regional Climate Center

[Cambium]

Complete water ban details:

1. Water Supply Emergency Phase II – For Implementation immediately.

1.1. The use of fire hydrants for any purpose other than fire protection, public health requirements, or other emergency or authorized use, is prohibited.

1.2. Outdoor Water Irrigation

1.2.1. Mandatory water ban of all outdoor watering unless necessary to sustain food crops or crops for harvest by commercial farms. Watering of new plantings is allowed by bucket or watering can.

1.2.2. Water use for irrigation of existing lawns is prohibited. Variances for newly seeded lawns and plantings issued during Phase I are null and void. To protect water resources from siltation, variances may be granted by the Conservation Director for seeding (no sod) of bare soil to limit erosion.

1.2.3. Watering of plants at commercial operations is allowed according to restrictions in section 1.6.

1.2.4. New plantings and lawn seeding/sodding should be postponed for a late fall or spring planting.

1.3. Prohibition of all other outdoor water uses, including but not limited to:

1.3.1. Use of water for private and/or public ornamental or decorative purposes including but not limited to fountains, waterfalls, reflecting pools, and/or ponds.

1.3.2. Use of water to wash or clean motor vehicles or vessels unless done as a means of livelihood at a commercial facility with recycling system in place

1.3.3. (see section 1.8). Boats being removed from the water for the winter season may use hand held hose or bucket to clean bottom.

1.3.4. Use of water to flush driveway, sidewalks, decks or other outdoor surfaces.

1.3.5. Use of water to clean outsides of buildings, decks or structures. No power washing is allowed.

1.3.6. Use of water to clean windows unless done as a means of livelihood and only then by washing exclusively from a bucket or container of three (3) gallons capacity or less.

1.4. No new water diversions or hookups are to be allowed to provide for outdoor or non-essential use. This includes the drilling of new irrigation wells, or diversions from ponds, streams or other surface waters. All residents are asked to maintain surface water levels for fire protection purposes.

1.5. Swimming pools and hot tubs shall not be filled unless the following exemption criteria is met:

1.5.1. Water used to fill is obtained from an acceptable source that is not under drought advisory or restrictions and is independent of private wells and/or the public water supply system.

1.5.2. Use of the pool is necessitated by a documented medical or health related reason.

1.5.3. Commercial and public swimming pools already in operation may maintain water levels but cannot be refilled if drained.

1.6. Restrictions on industrial and commercial (including private clubs) consumption:

1.6.1. All industrial and commercial businesses must immediately formulate and implement a water conservation plan that reduces consumption by twenty percent (20%). This plan shall be in writing and shall be kept on the premises and available for inspection by Town officials. For purposes of this Plan, the average water meter readings for the last 12 months will be the minimum basis for the determination by each business or facility of its reduction in its water conservation plan.

1.6.2. Businesses shall follow the outdoor water restrictions in previous sections unless specifically referenced otherwise in this document.

1.6.3. Each plant nursery or other commercial grower engaged in the business of growing, distributing or selling plants shall prepare and implement a water conservation plan as described above. Such plans must be submitted to the Conservation Director. Watering of new plants being installed is allowed at time of planting only. Plants must be able to survive without irrigation. Trucking in water from outside is allowed provided that the water is obtained from an acceptable source that is not under drought advisory or restrictions and is independent of private wells and/or the public water supply system. A bill of sale showing origin of water is required.

1.6.4. Mandatory restrictions on watering of fairways at golf courses. Courses must limit irrigation to tee areas and greens and be in compliance with their Drought Management Plans. All courses are required to maintain adequate levels in ponds registered with the fire department as fire ponds

1.6.5. with the fire department. Voluntary maintenance of pond and other surface water levels are requested to ensure proper fire safety.

1.7. No serving of water to eating facility customers, except on request.

1.8. The operation of commercial automatic and “do it yourself” car/vehicle washes is permitted if the car wash meets either of the following exemption criteria and has filed a water conservation plan in accordance with the requirements detailed above.

1.8.1. The use of re-circulating systems is required. If no recycling system is operational, the car wash establishment must demonstrate that it uses no more than a maximum total of 45 gallons of potable water including make-up and rinse water, per unit washed.

1.8.2. Vehicle washing by auto/boat dealers is prohibited with the exception of prepping a unit that has been sold or is in for service. Washing for these purposes must be in compliance with the requirements above.

1.9. Leaks in residential water connections shall be repaired within forty-eight (48) hours of detection.

1.10. In addition to mandatory requirements, all residents are required to reduce water usage by 20%. This includes making sure that all plumbing and air conditioning systems that use water are in good repair with no leakage.

1.11. No drawing of water for transport by truck from any surface water supply except for emergency purposes as determined by the Director of Health and the Fire Chief.

1.12. The Fire Department will continue monitoring of public land for fire hazards and possible park closures.

1.13. Additional restrictions may be adopted as recommended by the Director of Health, Conservation Director, and the Fire Chief at any time.

PHOTOS: Emergency Overground Water Pipeline, Plus New, Stricter Water Use Restrictions Enacted by Greenwich Selectmen | Greenwich Free Press

She said that due to the emergency created by the drought, water is being piped from Barge Reservoir, to Rockwood and then to Putnam reservoir which is where the treatment plant is located.

Savageau said normally water is piped among these reservoirs, but those pipes have a limited capacity. She said the emergency overground pipes, meant to augment the town’s water supply, are visible on a drive up Taconic Road to Farms Road.

“The overground pipes are a temporary measure to bring an increased amount of water,” Savageau said. “It is quite a distance to transfer the water.”

Savageau said the Greenwich reservoir system, which includes four reservoirs –Barge, Rockwood, Brush and Putnam – is at 29% capacity. Usually this time of year they are at 65% capacity.

The good news is that residents’ cooperation has made a difference.

“Two weeks ago we had just a 60 day water supply,” Savageau said. “Today we have a 90 day supply, and that is because of reduced demand. We are expanding the number of days we can survive if we keep demand low.”

“Before the mandatory watering ban we were pumping 14 million gallons a day. Now we’re pumping 5 million gallons a day because people are cooperating,” Savageau said. “Actions are making a difference. Keep it up!”