How dry is it in Rhode Island? Gov. McKee issues statewide drought advisory

Linda Borg, The Providence Journal
·2 min read
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PROVIDENCE – Gov. Dan McKee issued a statewide drought advisory Tuesday based on the recommendation of federal, state and local experts who make up the state’s Drought Steering Committee.

The Water Resources Board convenes the committee when numerous water conditions indicate that the whole state may be entering an extended period of dry conditions.

Given the drought advisory, McKee has also asked the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to monitor its watering activities, including reducing optional water usage and ensuring all pipes are maintained.

“While our water supply is designed to withstand drought, Rhode Islanders should be aware of the current conditions,” McKee said in a statement. “As a precaution, I encourage residents and businesses to consider taking water conservation measures.”

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Last Thursday, Gregg Ostheimer at his Rocky Brook Orchard grove in Middletown showed what size his quince fruit would typically be at this point in the season if not for the drought.
Last Thursday, Gregg Ostheimer at his Rocky Brook Orchard grove in Middletown showed what size his quince fruit would typically be at this point in the season if not for the drought.

Statewide water conservation recommendations include:

• Watering lawns no more than is needed. The average lawn needs only one inch of water weekly.

• Avoiding watering during the warmest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when water is more likely to evaporate.

• Sweeping driveways and sidewalks rather than spraying them with a hose.

• Matching your washing machine and dishwasher settings to the load size so you do not use more water than required.

Conditions for a drought advisory

A statewide drought advisory is one of four progressive declarations that include advisory, watch, warning and emergency.

To recommend a statewide drought advisory, three of the following four conditions must be met: two months below 65% of normal rainfall, two out of three months below normal groundwater levels, three consecutive months below normal stream flow and a low measure on the Palmer Drought Index.

Three indicators – ground water, stream flow and Palmer Drought Index – have been met.

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The last time the committee issued a statewide drought advisory was September 2020. That advisory was lifted in February 2021.

Water Resources Board Chair Susan Licardi said all regions were below 65% of normal rainfall in July, adding that the Climate Prediction Center calls for similar conditions in August.

She said forecasts call for a lessening of drought conditions in September and October.

While conservation measures are not required, individual water suppliers may put water restrictions in place. Residents are advised to check with their water supplier for more information.

A list of major water suppliers to Rhode Island can be found on the Water Resources Board website at www.wrb.ri.gov/data_watersuppliers.html.

Linda Borg covers education for the Journal.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI drought advisory issued, 'water conservation measures' advised