Pomperaug River Low-Flow Plan Action Level Reached Second threshold, “Water Conservation Desired” r
SOUTHBURY — River flows in the Pomperaug River have hit the second trigger in the low-flow operations plan announced in June. As called for in the plan, The Heritage Village Water Company, the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, and the Town of Southbury are asking residents in the Pomperaug River Basin to voluntarily reduce their water use because of low flows in the river.
This is the second of three possible action levels identified in the plan. Customers of the Heritage Village Water Company and private well owners are always encouraged to use water wisely. Now that the Water Conservation Desired action level has been reached, they are being asked to voluntarily conserve water. Private wells and public water supplies in the area draw water from the Pomperaug Aquifer, which can affect river flows.
The typical low-flow period for the Pomperaug occurs between July 1 and October 31st, and this is the kind of scenario that was envisioned when the low-flow operations plan was developed. The current river flow is 10.8 cubic feet per second (cfs), which is below the second trigger of 15 cfs. The final trigger, which would reinforce the desire for conservation, would be when the flows are less than 7 cfs.
In addition to these steps for customers, the stress on the Pomperaug River is further reduced as the water supply needs of the Towantic Energy Center, LLC, are being met with the water supply sources of Connecticut Water Company from supplies outside of the Pomperaug River Basin.
Heritage Village Water customers and private well owners can visit www.heritagevillagewater.com for water conservation tips. The current Pomperaug River status and Action Levels can be viewed online at www.pomperaug.org/lowflowplan.
About Connecticut Water, Avon Water and Heritage Village Water
The companies are local water utilities, regulated by the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, which combined provide water service to more than 104,000 customers in 59 Connecticut towns and wastewater services to 3,000 customers in the town of Southbury, Connecticut. The towns served are Ashford, Avon, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Bolton, Brooklyn, Burlington, Canton, Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Columbia, Coventry, Deep River, Durham, East Granby, East Haddam, East Hampton, East Windsor, Ellington, Enfield, Essex, Farmington, Griswold, Guilford, Hebron, Killingly, Killingworth, Lebanon, Madison, Manchester, Mansfield, Marlborough, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Oxford, Plainfield, Plymouth, Portland, Prospect, Simsbury, Somers, South Windsor, Southbury, Stafford, Stonington, Suffield, Thomaston, Thompson, Tolland, Vernon, Voluntown, Waterbury, Westbrook, Willington, Windsor Locks and Woodstock.
About the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition
PRWC’s mission is to ensure plentiful high quality water in the Pomperaug Watershed communities through the use of science and education. We share our knowledge and expertise with others committed to the protection of the vital water resources upon which we all depend. PRWC accomplishes its mission by employing the latest science to advance best management of the watershed and by creating a partnership of local governments, businesses, private individuals, scientists and environmental groups who work collaboratively to protect the health and vibrancy of the Watershed. PRWC’s programs and services include: development and acquisition of scientific watershed and river data; provision of technical assistance on environmental challenges; and facilitation of educational programs. All of PRWC’s programs and activities underscore our collective roles as stewards of our environment and promote good habits to keep our watershed and rivers healthy.
