Governor issues drought advisory

GOV. GINA M. Raimondo has issued a statewide drought advisory and is encouraging residents and businesses to conserve water. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO
GOV. GINA M. Raimondo has issued a statewide drought advisory and is encouraging residents and businesses to conserve water. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo has issued a statewide drought advisory based on findings and assessments from the state’s Drought Steering Committee.
“Rhode Islanders should be aware the state will be taking proactive steps to increase public outreach about water conservation,” Raimondo said Wednesday.
The Drought Steering Committee, a purview of the Rhode Island Water Resources Board in conjunction with experts from the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service, assessed conditions in the state.
The assessment showed that all four major indices, precipitation, Palmer Brought Severity Index which determines long-term drought, streamflow and groundwater, fulfilled the criteria for a drought advisory. The committee submitted an official recommendation to the Office of the Governor for the advisory.
“Our water supplies are built to withstand drought conditions, but what the governor has declared is a heightened state of awareness of the current conditions,” WRB Chairwoman Susan Licardi said in a statement. “While this is not an emergency, we want to urge Rhode Islanders to take precautionary measures and be aware of the dry conditions. Recent rainfall has been helpful, but we have to keep in mind that we’re assessing long-term conditions and will continue to monitor monthly reports. Every effort we make to conserve water will go a long way.”
WRB encourages taking steps to conserve water for indoor and outdoor use. For information on ways to conserve water, visit www3.epa.gov/watersense/our_water/start_saving.html or go to www.wrb.ri.gov.

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