HomeEnvironmentNortheast Mass upgraded to ‘significant’ drought, water restrictions remain

Northeast Mass upgraded to ‘significant’ drought, water restrictions remain

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REGION — Following recent rain events in September, the Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which includes Westford, has been upgraded to a significant drought, resulting in relaxed water restrictions for residents.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card announced the upgrade from a critical drought to a significant drought on Oct. 7 She cited a number of rainfall events that directly benefited Massachusetts hydrological systems.

Precipitation totals for the previous 90 days. (Photo/National Weather Service)

According to National Weather Service data, the region still remains 8-10 inches behind average rainfall during this point in the year.

Water Department downgrades restrictions 

The Water Department has implemented mandatory water restrictions for public water customers.

Previously, the department banned all non-essential water use in town under its Stage 3 restrictions. The department is now requiring residents to minimize outdoor water usage between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. under its Stage 2 restrictions.

Now, customers with an odd-numbered address may only water on odd-numbered days from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Customers with even-numbered addresses may only water on even-numbered days from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Additionally, the filling of swimming pools is still prohibited.

“The odd/even schedule allows us to keep up with customer demand by spreading out water usage,” the Water Department wrote in a news release. “Watering between 6:00 pm and 9:00  am when evapotranspiration is at the lowest level makes watering more effective and reduces waste.”

The department will issue a $50 for the first offense, and $100 fines for subsequent offenses.

Relaxed restrictions took effect on Oct. 7 and will remain in effect until further notice.

Local journalism is vital to our communities. As other publications shift focus toward regional journalism, WestfordCAT continues to provide high-quality hyperlocal reporting to our town, free for everyone to read. So we have a small favor to ask. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us sustain our journalism and keep our community informed. Please consider supporting WestfordCAT for as little as $1 on PayPal.

Support WestfordCAT News

Local journalism is vital to our communities. As other publications shift focus toward regional journalism, WestfordCAT continues to provide high-quality hyperlocal reporting to our town, free for everyone to read. So  we have a small favor to ask. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us sustain our journalism and keep our community informed. Please consider supporting WestfordCAT by donating online.

Ben Domaingue
Ben Domainguehttps://www.clippings.me/bendomaingue
Ben Domaingue has previously worked at newspapers in New Hampshire and is the Managing Editor covering Westford. He’s passionate about community journalism, photography and hiking. Email him at bdomaingue@westfordcat.org.

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