Non-essential Outdoor Watering Prohibited, until further notice

Annually on May 1st and in effect thru September 30th a Mandatory Non-essential Outdoor Water Use Restriction is implemented. During the restriction period our Board of  Water Commissioners may determine that a shortage of water exists, warranting more stringent watering restrictions.

Limiting outdoor water use is one of the most effective ways to minimize the impacts of drought on water supply and the environment, and ensure there is enough water for fire protection.

  • Declaration for Water Supply Conservation
  • Level 1. Mild Drought: Nonessential outdoor watering is restricted to BEFORE 9 am or AFTER 5 pm
  • Level 2. Significant Drought: Nonessential outdoor watering is restricted to BEFORE 9 am or AFTER 5 pm three days per week, based on street address:
    Even numbered addresses (no’s ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) may engage in nonessential outdoor water use on even numbered calendar days from Tuesday thru Sunday.
    Odd numbered addresses (no’s ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may engage in nonessential outdoor water use on odd numbered calendar days from Tuesday through Sunday.
    Nonessential outdoor water use is prohibited on Monday.
  • Level 3. Critical Drought: Nonessential outdoor watering is prohibited.

This restriction is a regulatory requirement from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), and is in keeping with regional water conservation efforts.

The goal of the Commonwealth is to reduce residential water use to 65 gallons per person per day to ensure a sustainable drinking water supply and to protect natural resources and stream flow for aquatic life.

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Do you have questions or concerns about mandatory non-essential outdoor water restrictions? Contact us by phone (978) 443-6602 or email customerservice@sudburywater.com.

Non-essential outdoor water uses that are subject to the mandatory restriction are:

  • Irrigation of lawns and landscaping via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems;
  • Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety; and
  • Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement or cement.

The following uses are allowed while the mandatory restriction is place:

  • Watering of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose.
  • Irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings during the month of September.
  • Irrigation of public parks and recreation fields by means of automatic sprinklers outside the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.

Water uses NOT subject to the mandatory restrictions are:

  • Those required for health or safety reasons, by regulation, for the production of food and fiber, for the maintenance of livestock, or to meet the core functions of a business (e.g. irrigation by golf courses as necessary to maintain tees, greens, and limited fairway watering, or irrigation by plant nurseries as necessary to maintain stock).
  • Private wells are exempt (however all users are encouraged to follow restriction guidelines.)

RESTRICTION VIOLATION AND PENALTIES:

  • FIRST OFFENSE: WRITTEN WARNING
  • SECOND OFFENSE: $50.00 FINE
  • THIRD OFFENSE: $100.00 FINE
  • FOURTH OFFENSE: TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE (Plus Applicable Turn-On Fee)