RI Water Resources Board

News Release

For Release: December 3, 2007

Contact:
Juan Mariscal, P.E., WRB (401) 574-8402
Beverly O’Keefe, WRB, (401) 574-8405

Drought Advisory Continues

Residents and Businesses Encouraged to Use Water Efficiently

Providence, RI - The one-hundred year drought currently being experienced in the southeastern United States should remind Rhode Islanders of the need to use water efficiently – both indoors and out. Water is not always in abundant supply and, in fact, following three months of continuing dry weather and above average temperatures throughout the state, Rhode Island is experiencing a “moderate drought” and a statewide “drought advisory” is in effect. Connecticut and Massachusetts also have continued their “drought advisory” status which was called early in October.

Rhode Island experiences a “moderate drought” every 11 years on average. “Agricultural” droughts are short-term and typically occur during one growing season. A “hydrological” drought is more serious, takes longer to develop, and creates serious water availability problems. Long term droughts typically “set up” in the autumn, continue through the winter, and solidly take hold during the next summer. A long-term drought in Rhode Island occurred in 1965 over three summers, and included long periods of below-normal precipitation through the winter, spring, and summer months.

During 2007, the wet spring led to an extremely dry summer and autumn. The autumn rains have not yet yielded a plentiful supply of water and water officials are increasingly concerned. Although fall and winter months are not peak water use periods, the winter months are typically the time when reservoirs and groundwater are recharged. Continued dry weather could lead to more serious drought conditions when warmer weather and increased water use resume in the spring. Juan Mariscal, General Manager of the Rhode Island Water Resources Board stated “Throughout Rhode Island the surface and ground water supplies which are used to provide drinking water and support residential and business needs are recording new low levels. Southern Rhode Island is especially hard hit with some groundwater observation wells reaching historical low levels for this time of year.” He concluded by stating “All citizens are encouraged to use public and private drinking water supplies efficiently.”

Business and industrial facilities are encouraged to conduct a water audit to identify areas for improved water efficiency. Reuse of water in the manufacturing process is strongly encouraged. Homeowners can also conduct a “Household Water Audit” to identify potential water savings. The Kent County Water Authority Household Water Audit can be downloaded from the Kent County Water Authority website - http://www.kentcountywater.org/default.aspx. Copies can also be obtained by contacting Beverly O’Keefe, RI Water Resources Board, (401) 574-8405.

The Rhode Island Water Resources Board will continue to monitor hydrologic conditions. The Drought Steering Committee is scheduled to meet again on January 15, 2008 to review the status of Rhode Island’s water supply. The Drought Steering Committee includes representatives from the Governor’s Office, Water Resources Board, Departments of Environmental Management, Health, Statewide Planning Program, the Public Utilities Commission, State Fire Marshall’s Office, US National Weather Service, US Geological Survey, RI Agricultural Council, Audubon Society of RI, representatives of the RI Water Works Association, large and small water suppliers, and other interested citizens and groups.

For additional information about the current Drought Advisory, please contact the Water Resources Board at www.wrb.ri.gov or call (401) 574-8400.