WESTFORD — Amid an extended period of dry weather and increased demand, the Water Department has upgraded its outdoor water use restrictions.
Stage III, or emergency restrictions, prohibit all non-essential outdoor water use. Watering food gardens or with a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off or watering can are exempt from these restrictions.
The department will issue a $50 for the first offense, and a $100 fine for subsequent offenses.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a project from the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, much of Massachusetts is experiencing normal conditions as of Sept. 12. Northern Essex County and Nantucket are experiencing abnormally dry conditions.
These restrictions took effect on Sept. 17 and remain in effect until further notice.
