Recent rainfall has brought some relief when it comes to drought conditions in Connecticut.  The Interagency Drought Working Group says there's been relief from lower than normal conditions in the state are recommend reducing the drought advisory declared in October.  State officials have agreed and the entire state has moved from a Stage 2 drought level to Stage 1.

Working Group chair Martin Heft says water levels around the state are returning to normal conditions, but some reservoirs and ground water levels remain below normal.  He added that upcoming storms should hopefully return water levels to normal and allow the state to formally announce an end to the drought. The Working Group will continue to closely monitor various drought triggers and will make further recommendations as conditions warrant.

The entity consists of several state agency representatives that meets as necessary to assess drought conditions and make recommendations to the governor on the state’s response.

The Stage 1 drought level is a preparedness stage that serves to alert the parties who should be prepared to respond to potentially worsening drought conditions. Typically, this stage is activated in response to early signals of abnormally dry conditions and serves as “heads up” for the possibility of a developing drought. In this case, as the state emerges from the drought, this stage is serving as a reminder for residents and public water suppliers to continually monitor conditions and water usage. There is no expectation for a broad public notice of a Stage 1 declaration.

The Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup will continue to monitor conditions and plans to meet again in December.