New London County In Stage 2 Drought Conditions

NEW LONDON, CT — Stage 2 drought conditions are affecting southeastern Connecticut after one of the hottest summers on record, according to a statement from The Interagency Drought Workgroup. New London County joins four other Connecticut counties in stage 2 drought conditions.

The drought could impact water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems, according to the statement.

Conditions in eastern Connecticut have deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks, with plummeting streamflow and groundwater levels following a particularly dry August and first half of September.

Firefighters throughout the region have responded to numerous reports of wildland fires, including a Windham fire that consumed 94 acres before being fully contained. The dry nature of the soil subsurface means that any fires that ignite are difficult to extinguish completely, since they often smolder below ground, well out of reach.

Residents are reminded to monitor daily forest fire danger reports and plan outdoor burning accordingly, according to the statement.

To ensure drinking water supplies remain adequate if the drought persists, residents and businesses in Stage 2 counties are being asked to voluntarily take the following measures:

· Reduce outdoor irrigation and other non-essential outdoor uses of water

· Postpone the planting of any new lawns or vegetation (if new plantings cannot be postponed, consider drought-tolerant species)

· Minimize overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures

· Follow conservation requests or mandates issued by public water systems, municipalities, or state agencies