VT utility urges water cutback on Wednesday

A conservation notice has been issued for Wednesday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. by Champlain Water District, the utility that provides drinking water for thousands of customers in Chittenden County.

The request asks ratepayers to refrain from using water for any non-essential purposes, including laundry, running dishwashers, garden and lawn watering and car-washing during that period.

EARLIER: Champlain Water District plans for upgrades at treatment plant

Repair to switching gear at the South Burlington-based treatment plant requires shutting down operations for about six hours — and reduced use will ensure that tanks throughout the region can supply emergency water to fire departments, according to the CWD website.

RELATED: Shelburne tapped to pay for water in S. Burlington storage tank

 The conservation notice affects most of Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Jericho Village, Shelburne, South Burlington, Williston and Winooski.

The City of Burlington maintains its own water treatment plant on the Lake Champlain waterfront.