During July, Connecticut Water sent 30 truckloads of water to meet demand, including 19 tanker trucks over the July 4 weekend alone.
OLD LYME, Conn. – The Connecticut Water Company, which serves 62 communities across the state, said water systems in some of its communities are quickly approaching a drought watch. And one of those communities is Old Lyme, where summer renters have helped strain the city’s water supply.
Because many who summer in Old Lyme’s beach communities are renters, Connecticut Water said the only way those people will know about the drought is by placing yard signs throughout the community, something the company is prepared to do at this critical stage.
According to Connecticut Water, Old Lyme’s water shortage is not the result of excessive outdoor water use.
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“At Soundview, based on the demands we’ve seen out there, it’s clear to us that the pandemic in this particular community is over,” said Craig Patla, Connecticut Water’s vice president of delivery service.
While tenants haven’t gotten the message, locals said they have.
“Once I got the notification, I was very conscious of how much time I spent in the shower or turning off the water when I was brushing my teeth or not running water when I was doing the dishes,” said Maddie Cann of Old Lyme.
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During July, Connecticut Water sent 30 truckloads of water to meet demand, including 19 tanker trucks over the July 4 weekend alone.
“By comparison, we delivered none last year,” Patla noted.
Connecticut Water estimates four to six inches of rain would be needed to stabilize the situation. Therefore, for now, they need the help of the public.
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“Our teams are meeting the challenges of demand, but it’s certainly putting a strain on our resources,” Patla said.
Soundview Beach businesses are doing their part. Kokomo’s sells bottled water to conserve local tap water. Next door, the Pavilion is using its melted ice to water its plants and palm trees, and all are grateful to Connecticut Water.
“Really good tasting water, you know,” said Tom Vecchitto, owner of Vecchitto’s Italian Ice, just steps from the beach. “We use it in our product, so it’s important that we have a good supply. Connecticut Water has been very good with that.”
Connecticut Water notes that reducing personal water use, no matter where you live, will help meet essential water safety and public health needs.
Tony Terzi is a reporter for FOX61 News. He can be reached at tterzi@fox61.com. follow him Facebook, Twitter i Instagram.
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