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Danbury officials warn of low reservoir levels; water conservation measures and DPH request discussed
Summary
The city reported reservoir levels near 68%—about 10 points below normal for the season—and said irrigation restrictions are in effect; staff will request Connecticut DPH permission to skim stormflow from Lake Kenosha if sample results permit.
Council members pressed city water officials on Nov. 7 about reservoir levels and preparedness following a heavy August storm followed by unusually low rainfall.
Water Department Director David Day told the council reservoir levels are about 68 percent, roughly 10 percentage points below typical levels for this time of year. He said the city instituted conservation measures and ordered irrigation shutoffs, posting declarations on the city website. Day said if normal winter precipitation arrives, the system should recover, but the city cannot predict the timing of significant rain events.
Day said staff expects sample results and will request Connecticut Department of Public Health approval to skim stormflow from Lake Kenosha as allowed under state rules; he anticipated seeking that authorization within one to two weeks if samples and state permission align. He noted the city cannot significantly draw down Kenosha but can skim stormwater flow when conditions permit.
Council members asked whether hydrants or firefighting capability would be affected; Day said system pressure and firefighting supplies remain adequate and the city is adding staffing and vehicles to support traffic unit needs and operational readiness.
No formal emergency order beyond conservation measures was recorded in the meeting minutes; staff said they have used declarations in prior low‑water years and will return with any new requests to the council.
