Public Water Supply Emergency Declared for New Canaan

NEW CANAAN, CT—The commissioner of the Department of Public Health has declared a public water supply emergency for Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford.

The seldom-used declaration will last for 30 days. Several towns in nearby Westchester County who are also served by Aquarion Water Company are also experiencing a shortage.

Aquarion will be allowed to divert water from other sources of supply to the four towns due to depleted public water supply and continued drought conditions.

“This is not a step that the Department of Public Health takes lightly or frequently, but it is clear that despite water conservation efforts taken by Aquarion and its customers, diversion of water from other areas in Aquarion’s water supply in addition to continued mandatory water conservation measures is necessary to avert a much larger water crisis in these towns," said Commissioner Raul Pino.

Aquarion will perform mandatory weekly reports on water quality.

“While this declaration deals specifically with these four towns and neighboring towns in New York, the entire state remains in a drought advisory, and I encourage all Connecticut residents to conserve water during this prolonged period of dry weather,” Pino said.

There will be continued outdoor watering bans in the four towns. The company's top 20 water users in affected towns will be audited and the company will assist in identifying ways to reduce water use.

The order is in effect for 30 days and Aquarion can apply for additional 30 day extensions up to 150 days.