Originally posted 11/5/24, updated 11/12/24 with change in draught condition
The Town of Voluntown is currently experiencing Stage 2 Drought Conditions. Many residents are experiencing dry wells. Available water sources: Non drinkable water for flushing and washing is available at the Public Works Garage at the end of Gate Street. There is a hose on the side of the building with a sign “Non Potable Water”. Drinkable (potable) water is available at the Pachaug State Forest Mt. Misery camping area (the water pump next to the outhouses).
For information on private wells and drought conditions, visit the links below
- The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Publication #36: Guidelines for Private Well Users in Times of Drought or Low Precipitation.
- CT DPH: Private Well Checklist: Best Management Practices
- CT DPH: Test Your Private Well
- CT DPH website page Private Wells (includes Registered Well Drillers and Plumbers Roster)
- Connecticut Drought Information Center
- National Integrated Drought Information System: Drought in Connecticut
See the list of frequently asked questions below. Don’t see an answer to your questions or have other concerns?
Please don’t hesitate to contact:
CT DPH Private Well Program
410 Capitol Avenue, MS#11PWP
PO Box 340308
Hartford, CT 06134
(860) 509-8401
Private Well FAQs From CT DPH
Groundwater levels can drop due to a lack of precipitation. This may happen at any time of
year, and can be made more severe during times of greater water consumption use. Often,
shallow well sources are more likely to experience quantity issues or to go dry during times of
low precipitation or drought, but any well regardless may become impacted. Some private wells
may experience quantity issues, while other neighboring wells do not. The geographical,
geological and physical conditions of the well’s borehole may contribute to these differences.
How do I know if my well water supply is running low?
Answer: Indicators that your well water supply is having trouble keeping up with demand for water in your house
may include:
• If your well pump turns on more frequently than normal. You are more likely to realize this is
happening if your well pump is not located deep inside the well. Some well pumps are located in a
crawl space or basement.
• If you notice frequent fluctuation of the pressure gauge on your storage tank. This is possibly
indicating short cycling of a submersible pump located deep inside your well.
• If you are experiencing water surges or a complete loss of water from your taps.
• If you experience a drop in water pressure.
• If the water quality becomes cloudy, turbid, or, silty.
Is it okay to hire a water a contractor to fill my well with water if my well goes dry?
Answer: No, alternative options should be explored as there are several concerns with this
approach. Often, some or most of the water quantity you are purchasing is lost into the well’s
geology. So, you may not be getting your full money’s worth. Additionally, the water quality
being introduced during any part of this process is a concern from the water’s source, its
transportation and delivery, and, any agitation created during the process.
You may alternately want to consider setting up a temporary storage tank outside or within
your home that can be filled with water that is hauled in by a licensed bulk water hauler. For
wells with low water quantity and recovery, you may also consider installing a permanent larger
capacity storage tank and associated pump inside your home. This will allow water to slowly fill
the storage tank at its own pace during times of low or no water use to provide your home with
water on demand during its peak water demand times.
If I need to have bulk water hauled in, where should I start?
Answer: In Connecticut, water transported in bulk by any means to a premises supplied by a
private well or well for semipublic use for drinking or domestic purposes must be provided by a
bulk water hauler that is licensed pursuant to section Connecticut General Statute 20-278h.
A list of licensed Bulk Water Haulers can be found at: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/DrinkingWater/DWS/Bulk-WaterHauling#:~:text=As%20of%20October%201%2C%202014,consumer%20of%20a%20water%20company
What steps can I take to conserve water?
Answer: During times of drought, it is recommended that everyone implement water
conservation measures wherever possible. Some suggestions include; limit outdoor water use
such as watering lawns and washing vehicles, fix any leaks that exist in your homes plumbing
system, reduce the amount of time spent showering, consider installing low-flow fixtures and
energy-efficient water using appliances and toilets, and, only run full loads of laundry and
dishwashing. For more details please refer to the Connecticut Department of Public Health
Guidance for Private Well Users During Times of Drought or Low Precipitation.
What measures can I take if my well is experiencing low water quantity or is no longer producing water?
Answer: If you are experiencing low or no water quantity, you may consider increasing the
amount of water storage in your home by installing larger or additional water storage tanks,
determine if your well pump can be lowered deeper into your well which may increase your
available water storage, consider deepening your well to provide for additional water storage,
consider hydrofracturing your well which may increase your well’s yield, and ultimately
consider replacing your well if necessary. If you are considering any of these options, be sure to
utilize properly licensed professionals and to obtain any necessary permits prior to this work.
For related details, please refer to the Connecticut Department of Public Health Guidance for
Private Well Users During Times of Drought or Low Precipitation.
Where can I get up to date information on the drought status in Connecticut?
Answer: The Connecticut Drought Information Center website at:
https://portal.ct.gov/Water/Drought/Drought-Home
