Reservoir levels rise as drought ends

STAMFORD — City reservoir levels have surged following a week of heavy rain, and a temporary pipeline that was pumping millions of gallons of water a day from Bridgeport to points South is no longer needed.
They are two signs the drought has subsided.
More than two inches of rain was measured last weekend at the city’s Laurel and North Stamford reservoirs, according to Peter Fazekas, a spokesman for Aquarion Water Co. Stamford reservoir levels rose to 90.5 percent on Tuesday, up from 87 percent on April 11.
Gov.
“The emergency order gave the authority to keep the temporary pipeline in place — the emergency order has ended,” Fazekas said.
“Second, with the two Stamford reservoirs full and spilling, any water from the temporary pipeline would be wasted at this point.” The state drought group says reducing outdoor water use is an effective conservation measure.
During irrigation season, many people use more water for lawns than for all other purposes combined.
They said the limit was established after consulting with sprinkler contractors about the amount of watering is needed to keep grass and plants healthy.
Aquarion will address violations with its customers, while Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan and Darien officials will enforce the limits with private well owners, Fazekas said.
mcassidy@stamfordadvocate.com

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