Connecticut Water Planning Council

Drought Home

Connecticut Drought Information Center

A service of the Connecticut Water Planning Council

Current Drought Status: A Stage 2 Drought Advisory has been issued for Fairfield, Middlesex, and New Haven counties. All other counties have no drought advisory. 

Five-stage drought response plan showing increasing drought severity and response actions.

Drought Plan Stages

  1. Stage 1: Early signs of unusually dry conditions. Preparedness activities begin for the possibility of a drought.
  2. Stage 2: A drought is beginning. Water users in affected areas should limit unnecessary water use. Water suppliers and public officials prepare mitigation measures.
  3. Stage 3: Drought conditions are established with impacts increasing in extent and intensity. Public water suppliers may issue voluntary or mandatory water restrictions.
  4. Stage 4: Widespread severe impacts affect public and private water supplies, fisheries, and agriculture. Mandatory water-use restrictions are likely. Emergency response measures may be needed.
  5. Stage 5: Water supplies are depleted to a point that threatens public health and safety. The Governor may declare a state of emergency and activate the Emergency Operations Center.