Water Restriction Notice

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Mild Level 1 Drought Conditions Declared

October 18, 2024

 

On October 18, 2024, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental affairs (EEA) issued a Level 1-Mild Drought Declaration for the Central Region of Massachusetts.  As recommended by EEA, the Town is following the guidance and response actions in the Massachusetts Drought Plan and instituting a MANDATORY non-essential water use restriction as required by our MassDEP Water Management Act Registration. 

 

These mandatory water restrictions are for daily "non-essential" water use from public water sources and shall be in effect until the drought is lifted by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.  

 

Non-essential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include:

  • Minimize overall water use;
  • Limit outdoor watering to one day per week from 5:00PM to 9:00AM, or less frequently if required by your water supplier;
  • Plant only local and drought-resistant species;
  • Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60 percent of indoor use;
  • For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities;
  • Minimize lawn sizes; and,
  • Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.


When you CAN use water outdoors:


The following “essential uses” as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) may be allowed, before 9:00am and after 5:00pm, when mandatory restrictions are in place:

 

  1. for health or safety reasons
  2. irrigation of public parks and recreation fields by means of automatic sprinklers; 
  3. by regulation;
  4.  for the production of food and fiber
  5. irrigation of gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose or drip irrigation system; and irrigation of lawns by means of a hand-held hose; 
  6. for the maintenance of livestock; or 
  7. to meet the core functions of a business. 

 

Nonessential uses are those other than essential uses.

 

Enforcement will include:


    • Written warning of first offense;
    • $50 fine for second offense;
    • $100 fine for each subsequent offense;
    • Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.

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Water & Sewer Department                                                                                                                   Phone: (508) 949-3861-Water

P.O. Box 793 (38 Hill Street)                                                                                                                   Phone: (508) 949-3865-Sewer

Webster, MA 01570                                                                                                                                                  Fax: (508) 949-3868

                                                                                                                                                              

PUBLIC NOTICE

Mandatory Water Restrictions

Posted: April 29, 2024

 

Effective May 1st the Webster Water Department will institute a mandatory water conservation restriction in order to keep up with daily water system demand while our largest water source (Bigelow Well) remains offline in emergency standby mode awaiting infrastructure improvements for PFAS treatment.  We appreciate your support and patience while we plan and implement system improvements.     

 

These mandatory water restrictions are for daily "non-essential" water use from public water sources and shall be in effect through September 30, 2024.   

 

Non-essential outdoor water uses that are subject to mandatory restrictions include:

 

  • irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
  • filling swimming pools;
  • washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
  • washing exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.


When you CAN use water outdoors:


The following “essential uses” as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) may be allowed, before 9:00am and after 5:00pm, when mandatory restrictions are in place:

 

  1. for health or safety reasons
  2. irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings during the months of May and September;
  3. irrigation of public parks and recreation fields by means of automatic sprinklers; 
  4. by regulation;
  5.  for the production of food and fiber
  6. irrigation of gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose or drip irrigation system; and irrigation of lawns by means of a hand-held hose;
  7. for the maintenance of livestock; or
  8. to meet the core functions of a business. 

 

Nonessential uses are those other than essential uses.

 

Enforcement will include:

  • Written warning of first offense;
  • $50 fine for second offense;
  • $100 fine for each subsequent offense;

     Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.