The Wellesley Department of Public Works (DPW) has issued new MANDATORY one-day per week outdoor watering restrictions.
Under the new rules, homes and businesses must follow a one-day per week schedule based on street address numbers, and non-essential watering is banned between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
These restrictions replace the previous 3-day per week alternate day schedule and are effective immediately due to continued drought and to comply with new state regulations.
“Although conditions have been improving in recent weeks, a lack of rain over the past year has resulted in lower than normal stream flows and ground water levels in our region. These new restrictions will keep us in compliance with state regulations and also help ensure that we can provide enough water for everyday use including health, safety and fire-fighting needs” said DPW Director Dave Cohen.
Based upon street address numbers, nonessential outdoor water use IS ALLOWED according to the following schedule:
- Odd numbered addresses are restricted to Tuesdays
- Even numbered addresses are restricted to Fridays
- Nonessential outdoor use of water on all other days is prohibited
Nonessential outdoor watering hours are restricted to before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Outdoor watering is prohibited between 9 and 5 to help avoid loss of water through evaporation.
Essential uses of water include:
- For health and safety reasons
- Irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings between the months of May and September
- Agricultural operations to maintain livestock and crops and vegetable gardens
- Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose
- To meet the core functions to the commercial operations of a business
- Irrigation of public trees and parks, schools, and recreational fields
- Hydrant flushing to maintain water systems and improve water quality
Nonessential uses include:
- Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
- Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
- Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or concrete
Initial enforcement for these new regulations will focus on notices, education and awareness. However, if needed, violations are subject to a $50 fine for the first violation, and $100 for each subsequent violation.
Visit the DPW webpages for more information on drought status, restrictions, and water conservation.
The Natural Resources Commission also offers tips for healthy and sustainable lawn and landscape care.
Questions? Contact the Water Division at dpw@wellesleyma.gov or call 781-235-7600 x3355.