by Brooke Constance, originally posted on July 18, 2016

STONINGTON — The Board of Selectmen voted Wednesday night to request voluntary steps to reduce water use in Pawcatuck, which is supplied by the Westerly Water Company.

Westerly is seeking to conserve water because drought conditions have led to depletion of stored water and put a strain on disinfection equipment.

First Selectman Rob Simmons said that although the Westerly Town Council implemented an even-odd ban on lawn-watering, car-washing and other similar uses, Westerly Council members have no authority to place a ban on Pawcatuck residents.

“In Stonington, we believe in close and cooperative collaboration,” he said. “So we’re appealing to Pawcatuck residents on a voluntary basis to not waste water in order to help alleviate the current problems that Westerly … is having.”

If voluntary restrictions don’t work, Simmons said the board has the authority to take it a step further and implement mandatory restrictions.

“I don’t think we will have to take it that far because we feel that the residents of Pawcatuck are aware that their water comes from Westerly Water Company,” he said. “We strongly believe that they will voluntarily cooperate.”

For now, the town will conduct a campaign to make the community aware of the drought and voluntary restrictions for the next 60 days.

Aquarion Water Co., which serves Stonington Borough and Mystic, issued a notice Thursday afternoon, asking customers to conserve water and reduce non-essential outdoor water use.