Drought conditions in New Hampshire are persisting and some areas, such as Concord, are currently experiencing severe conditions. Southeastern areas are now even being classified within extreme drought levels.
Concord has not instituted any mandatory water restrictions to its consumers as the water supply is healthy thanks to a proactive approach in drought management. It is in our best interests though to do our part in conserving what we can by using water wisely.
“Simple adjustments can be made that will make a huge difference,” said Josh Worthen, water conservation technician for Concord General Services. “The easiest way to conserve right now is to minimize lawn irrigation and to inspect your system for inefficiencies.”
Approximately nine billion gallons of water are used daily in the United States for outdoor residential use and up to 50 percent of it is wasted due to inefficient watering methods and irrigation systems.
“It’s best to water at night or early morning to minimize evaporation and to use a weather-based controller to avoid unnecessary watering,” Worthen said.
Worthen has been proactively surveying the community for inefficient watering practices and advising property owners on recommended alternatives to conserve Concord’s water sources, Penacook Lake and the Contoocook River.
The city has successfully managed Concord’s water supply since 1872. With population increase and other drought conditions over the years, the demand to provide a sustainable water supply has only amplified.
As part of the effort to encourage water conservation, the city started metering water consumption for users in 1898.
By winter 1980, and precipitation at a record low, a water pump station on the Contoocook River was constructed by that spring to begin transferring water to Penacook Lake.
Now in 2016, Concord’s water system is reliably sustained by the 368-acre Penacook Lake with the supplement of the Contoocook River.
With a current population of approximately 43,500 (almost four times the original population in 1872) and almost 200 miles of distribution piping, Concord’s water system is the third largest in New Hampshire.
“While Concord’s water supply is healthy and currently able to meet present demands, we are asking water consumers to conserve during this very dry period, as a proactive measure to manage this priceless resource,” said Marco Philippon, water treatment superintendent at Concord General Services.
“We appreciate all efforts by the community to use water wisely to preserve our community’s resource as we continue to monitor the long term effects of this extended drought,” added Chip Chesley, director of Concord General Services.
Helpful conservation tips can be found at concordnh.gov/conservation and proper irrigation techniques are available at concordnh.gov/irrigation and concordnh.gov/watersense.
Angelina Bossone
