|
 As
required by our water permit with the State,
beginning May 1st through September 30th
of
each year, outdoor lawn watering will only be
allowed a maximum of twice per week.
The days of the week and allowable hours of
use will be stated in the declaration each year and
it will be determined by precinct. There are other
triggers in the permit based on stream flows that
could further reduce that to one day a week.
The restriction is being imposed by the State
and is in effect each year regardless of the weather
conditions. This
condition is being placed on most water suppliers as
their permits come up for renewal.
Under the requirements of the
town’s water management permit with the State, to
limit nonessential outdoor use, to protect stream
flow, aquatic life and ensure sustainable drinking
water, we are required to implement a
MANDATORY
State
of Water Supply
Conservation from
May 1st , through September 30th
. No
non-essential watering is permitted except that
sprinklers may be used for lawn watering up to two
days per week, outside of the hours of 9:00am to
5:00pm. People residing in precinct one and two may
water on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Precincts three and four may water on
Wednesday and Fridays.
There shall be no lawn watering on Saturday,
Sunday or Monday.
For a listing of precincts, please go to: hopkinton.org/gov/clerk/street.htm
and the map at hopkinton.org/gov/dpw/water/precinct.htm
As we saw last year with the
second driest summer and fall ever recorded, we are
not immune from droughts. It is imperative that
everyone who has and automatic sprinkler system,
have it set for only the bare minimum that is
required for their grass and other landscape needs.
A normal lawn only needs about 1” of water per
week. If rain is expect, or has just occurred then
your system should be shut off for the remainder of the week in order to
avoid unnecessary and wasteful water use. You should
check to ensure that your system in not dispensing
more that what is needed during a dry week as well.
Because of the twice per week restriction,
some people think they need to run their system
longer on those days to maintain a green lawn, which
is not the case.
Your irrigation company can set your
sprinklers to maintain the minimum amount required.
It is only with each individual water user’s
diligence toward efficient water use, that we will
be able to maintain safe water levels in case of
drought.
The following are the penalties
for non-compliance with the state restrictions. Any
person violating this By-law shall receive a written
warning for the first offense. For the second
offense, any person violating this By-law shall be
liable to the Town in the amount of $100.00, which
shall inure to the Town for such uses as the DPW
Director may direct. For any violations beyond the
second offense, water service may be suspended. Fines shall be recovered by inclusion
as a charge on the next scheduled water bill.
The Water Department will be
keeping users apprised of the current restriction
through several methods. There are multiple signs
located at the following locations.
Location
of Water Use Restriction Signs
1.
Main St.
@ Exxon
2.
West Main
@
Wood St. West
Bound
3.
Wood St.
@ Westboro Line East
Bound
4.
Pond
& Spring Intersection
5.
South
& West Main Intersection West Bound
6.
West Main
@ Pleasant East
Bound
7.
West Main
@ School West Bound
8.
Ash @
Park South Bound
9.
Hayden
Rowe @ Tennis Courts South Bound
10.
Hayden
Rowe @ Chestnut North Bound
East Main St. @ TJ’S West Bound
We will also be utilizing the
town websites, newspapers, cable TV and the
Connect
City
phone call system. For a listing of your precinct
please go to: hopkinton.org/gov/clerk/street.htm
For tips on minimizing water
use out doors, please click
here
The State will be monitoring
the outdoor use by means of our annual reporting
reflective of water meter readings. If the required
goals are not met, the State may impose strict,
enforcement orders on the town. These may include
but are not limited to monetary fines,
non-compliance regulatory action, and suspension or
denial of any state funding.
We ask that you please adhere
to all regulations and if you have any questions
please give us a call.
Regards,
Eric J. Carty
Water/Sewer Manager
|
