RI Water Resources Board

News Release

For Release: September 5, 2007

Contact:
Gail Mastrati, DEM, 222-4700 ext. 2402
Stephanie Powell, DEM, 222-4700 ext. 4418
Juan Mariscal, Water Resources Board, 574-8402

DEM, RI Water Resources Board Urges Public to Take Voluntary Water Conservation Measures as Stream Flow Levels Continue to Drop Due to Lack of Rainfall

Low Water Levels and Dry Conditions Raise Potential for Wildfires

Providence, RI - The Department of Environmental Management’s Office of Water Resources, in conjunction with the RI Water Resources Board, reports that water levels in the state’s rivers and streams have dropped dramatically due to the lack of significant rainfall during the month of August. The Blackstone River, Pawtuxet River, Pawcatuck River, and Hunt River, in particular, are experiencing low stream flows, dropping from normal flow levels at mid-month to extremely low flow conditions at present. Given that weather forecasts do not predict any rainfall in the state until next Tuesday or Wednesday, it is reasonable to expect that the stream flow levels will continue to drop. These sustained low stream flow situations occur once in about every 10 years. In areas of the state dependent on groundwater supplies, excessive use of water is directly related to reductions in streamflows.

Low flow levels affect fish and other aquatic organisms. Under normal flow conditions, fish have places to feed and hide, and have access to shade along the banks of the streams, within the roots. However, when stream levels are low the fish no longer have access to the roots and banks of the streams because the water is confined to the middle of the channel. Creating a low flow situation for the short duration causes stress but is not lethal to most fish. As flows continue to drop, however, portions of stream beds may begin to dry and thus the potential of fish kills is raised.

The state received 1.09 inches of rainfall in August , nearly three inches below the average August rainfall of four inches. The last precipitation over a half-inch was recorded on August 10th, with 0.85 inches of rain. This August was the second driest August in 113 years of data collection, according to the Northeast Regional Climate Center.

In light of these extremely dry conditions, DEM and the RI Water Resources Board are urging the public to take voluntary measures to conserve water. People should refrain from any non-essential uses, such as watering lawns and gardens and filling swimming pools, until further notice. Commercial users are also being encouraged to curtail their water use to the extent possible. DEM’s Division of Agriculture has also advised farmers in the Pawcatuck watershed area to utilize voluntary water conservation measures that minimize impacts to stream flow whenever possible. Groundwater levels are also dropping, indicating that those on private well supplies should also take measures to conserve water.

Present water use restrictions for all major public water suppliers can be found on the Water Resources Board’s website at http://www.wrb.ri.gov/waterrestrictions.htm

Water conservation tips can be found at http://www.wrb.ri.gov/education.htm and on all major water suppliers’ webpages . Links can be found at http://www.wrb.ri.gov/watersuppliers.htm

DEM’s Division of Forest Environment Says Dry Conditions May Spur Wildfires

According to DEM’s Division of Forest Environment, the lack of rain and recent warm temperatures has created conditions that can lead to frequent brush fires in our state's forests. Such conditions also present risks to woodland homes in areas where stream flows are low and lack available water for suppression. The hours between 10 am and 5 pm are the driest and hottest periods of the day when fires are most likely to escape into nearby woodlands. DEM advises everyone throughout the state to avoid open burning of any kind and to be sure that all confined fires are constantly monitored while lit and completely extinguished when through.

Fires do not always escape immediately, but can linger underground and undetected for two or three days and then begin to escape and become a wildfire. Many of these fires appear to be out because there is no visible flame or smoke, but when conditions are this dry, fires will smolder underneath the surface for days. It is important that people feel for any heat around a fire by holding the back of their hand near any fire site to be sure it is completely out.

DEM reminds individuals to be constantly aware that any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Charcoal cooking fires must be cold before being discarded. Smokers should use ashtrays. Dirt bikes and all terrain vehicles should be in good running condition with mufflers to minimize sparks. Always check with your local fire department to obtain a permit to burn. Fire departments have the authority to deny permits when conditions are too dangerous.