'Moderate Drought' in Fairfield, Officials Say

FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield is in the midst of a "moderate drought," due the extended dry spell in the area, town officials announced this week.

The finding is from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and about half of Connecticut is experiencing the same thing, and the other half is classified as "Abnormally Dry."

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As a result, according to Fairfield officials, the state Department of Public Health and Aquarion Water Company are asking residents to conserve water and reduce non-essential outdoor water use.

"With below average rainfall and extremely high water demand compared to the same period last year, area reservoirs and wells are below normal capacity," they wrote on the town website.

From the Fairfield announcement:

Aquarion Water Company is suggesting customers reduce outdoor water use by limiting lawn irrigation to a maximum of twice a week if they are using an irrigation system or hose-end sprinkler (customers can select any two days). Use of a hand-held hose for watering is allowed at any time.

Some additional recommendations to use water more efficiently, while helping conservation efforts include:

• Allow grass to grow longer; taller grass is healthier and requires less water
• Use brooms or blowers instead of water to clean decks, driveways and sidewalks
• Don’t wash cars or boats with a hose
• Shut off ornamental water displays
• Do not leave water running while washing hands, shaving, or brushing teeth
• Take shorter showers
• Hand-wash dishes in a basin, not under running water
• Repair leaks in plumbing and fixtures

For more information and additional water conservation tips, visit http://www.aquarionwater.com/CT/waterconservation.

Patch file photo