Connecticut Drought Water Use Restrictions Statewide Authority

Under Connecticut General Statutes § 22a-378, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection coordinates statewide drought response, and water companies regulated by PURA must file water supply plans with mandatory conservation triggers under CGS § 25-32d. When the Interagency Drought Workgroup declares drought stages, the Governor may order water use restrictions affecting irrigation, lawn watering, car washing, and ornamental fountain use across affected regions. Public water suppliers must enforce restrictions for their customers under threat of PURA penalties. Local rules cannot relax state-imposed drought restrictions.

Violating state drought emergency water restrictions can result in fines from the water utility, civil penalties under PURA orders, and potential service termination for repeat violations.