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Public Notice Regarding Water Use Restrictions

By contributor,
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We are mandated by the town’s water management permit issued by the State, to limit nonessential outdoor use, to protect stream flow, aquatic life and ensure sustainable drinking water. The town is required to implement a MANDATORY State of Water Supply Conservation from May 1st , through September 30th, each year, pursuant to the town’s water use restriction by-law. Under chapter 199-6 Section F; Lawn sprinklers may be used for lawn watering, two days per week, outside of the hours of 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. All other outdoor non-essential use is permitted daily outside the hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. People residing in precinct one and three may water on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Precincts two and four may water on Wednesday and Fridays. There shall be no lawn watering on Saturday, Sunday or Monday. This only applies to those water services connected to the municipal water system.

A normal lawn only needs about 1” of water per week. If rain is expected, 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 then what is needed during a dry week as well. Due to the twice per week restriction, the common belief is the sprinkler system needs to run for extended hours 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 for drinking and fire protection in case of prolonged drought. Please plan accordingly if you are trying to establish a new lawn, so that you may comply with these regulations.

After two years of significantly, less than normal rain and recharge, we saw how quickly a severe drought can take hold. In addition, after school is out for this summer, we will be replacing our smaller tank on Grove St. This will require the tank to be drained and demolished to make room for the new one thereby reducing our storage capacity. It is of the upmost IMPORTANCE, that EVERYONE complies with the day and hour restrictions, especially with a tank off line, to ensure safe operating levels of the water system.

The following are the penalties for non-compliance with the Town’s water use restriction by-law. 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. 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 signs located throughout town 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. 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
11. East Main St. @ TJ’S West Bound

We will also be utilizing the town websites, newspapers, cable TV and the CodeRed phone call system for emergencies. You can also follow us on Twitter @hopkintonwater for instant department updates. In addition you can subscribe to our notice feed here: www.hopkintonma.gov/home/about/follow

For a listing of your precinct please go to: www.hopkinton.org/clerk/street.htm

For tips on minimizing water use outdoors, please visit our web site @ www.hopkinton.org/water/conservation.htm

If you would like to know if rain is on the way or how much rain we received so you can shut your systems off, you can follow @hopkintonWX on Twitter or check the weather station readings
@ www.hopkintonwx.com/ click on weather station

We thank you for your cooperation in helping to preserve our most important natural resource!