University Of Connecticut Issues On-Campus Drought Advisory

The University of Connecticut has issued an on-campus drought advisory. It calls for voluntary and mandatory measures to reduce water use. WNPR’s Nancy Cohen reports the goal is not to damage local rivers.

Five years ago this month, the University of Connecticut had a bit of a water crisis. That summer, there was hardly any rain and the nearby Fenton River was barely flowing. When the University pumped water from the watershed, parts of the river dried up and thousands of fish died.

Back then, the University managed its own water supply. But now, it works with the Connecticut Water Company and has updated its water management plan.

This summer because of dry conditions, the University stopped drawing water from wells near the Fenton. This month, the school issued a drought advisory banning the washing of any cars and trucks on campus. The University has shut off all fountains and has cut back on watering lawns and athletic fields. Starting next week, all residential dining halls will use only paper plates and plastic silverware to reduce the amount of water used for dish washing.

For WNPR I’m Nancy Cohen.